Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Endothelial Dysfunction Promotes Age-Related Reorganization Of Collagen Fibers And Alters Aortic Biomechanics In Mice, Liya Du, Jeffrey Rodgers, Nazli Gharraee, Olivia Gary, Tarek Shazly, John F. Eberth, Susan M. Lessner

Faculty Publications

Endothelial dysfunction, defined as a reduction in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), is a risk factor for the occurrence and progression of various vascular diseases. This study investigates the effect of endothelial dysfunction on age-related changes in aortic extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure and the relationship between microstructural adaptation and the mechanical response. Here, we used groups of NOS3 knockout (KO), NOS3 heterozygotes (Het), and wild-type (WT) B6 mice (controls) to study changes in hemodynamic parameters, collagen fiber organization, and both active and passive aortic mechanics using biaxial pressure myography over a time course from 1.5 to 12 mo. Our …

Bilateral Gait Trainer For Transtibial Amputees, Desmond Greer, Odinachi Anene, Andrew Wallace, Noah Hill

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Lower limb amputation affects over 2.3 million individuals in the U.S., with peripheral vascular disease and diabetes as leading causes. Prosthetic rehabilitation is critical for restoring mobility, yet barriers like therapist shortages, cost, and inconsistent at-home training limit patient outcomes. This thesis presents the design, development, and testing of a bilateral gait training device that addresses these challenges by providing real-time haptic feedback and quantitative gait metrics for at-home rehabilitation. The device integrates force-sensitive resistors embedded in insoles to monitor plantar pressure distribution, haptic actuators (eccentric rotating mass motors) mounted on thigh straps to deliver corrective feedback, and an Arduino-based …

Endothelial Dysfunction Promotes Age-Related Reorganization Of Collagen Fibers And Alters Aortic Biomechanics In Mice, Liya Du, Jeffrey Rodgers, Nazli Gharraee, Olivia Gary, Tarek Shazly, John F. Eberth, Susan M. Lessner

Faculty Publications

Endothelial dysfunction, defined as a reduction in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO), is a risk factor for the occurrence and progression of various vascular diseases. This study investigates the effect of endothelial dysfunction on age-related changes in aortic extracellular matrix (ECM) microstructure and the relationship between microstructural adaptation and the mechanical response. Here, we used groups of NOS3 knockout (KO), NOS3 heterozygotes (Het), and wild-type (WT) B6 mice (controls) to study changes in hemodynamic parameters, collagen fiber organization, and both active and passive aortic mechanics using biaxial pressure myography over a time course from 1.5 to 12 mo. Our …

Shear-Thinning Hydrogel For Delayed Delivery Of A Small Molecule Metalloproteinase Inhibitor Attenuates Myocardial Infarction Remodeling, Joshua E. Mealy, William M. Torres, Lisa A. Freeburg, Shayne C. Barlow, Alison A. Whalen, Chima V. Maduka, Tarek Shazly, Jason A. Burdick, Francis G. Spinale

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Clinical Use Of Sit2stand Ai Application For Kinematic Analysis In Prosthesis Users., Samerial Brown

Posters - 2025

Biomechanical analysis is a tool to evaluate prosthetic and orthotic patient's. These tools offer the clinician capability of understanding the mechanism of injury, gait deviation or prosthesis problem. Video based analysis require expensive hardware, software, and training which sometimes costs $40-100,000.

The recent advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened up the possibility of acquiring high speed human motion video analysis using low-cost hardware and open-source machine learning algorithms. Still, free assessments like the Sit2Stand test is a current clinical outcome measure which assesses ability of a patient to stand and sit as fast as possible 5x. The faster the …

Next-Generation Biomedical Implants And Stimuli Responsive Soft Optical Arrays Via Surface Functionalized Elastomeric Materials, John M. Kapitan

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The demands of emerging technologies, such as soft robotics, stretchable electronics, and next generation biomedical implants, has led to the development of diverse polymeric and hybrid organic/inorganic materials specifically tuned to meet these challenges. These materials typically have low Young’s moduli and are inert with high chemical stability. However, this has led to materials that are static in nature, lacking any meaningful way of responding to changes in their environment and adapting to these changes. This has driven a shift towards the design, manufacturing, and characterization of various stimuli responsive surfaces, relying on precise control of surface chemical coatings and …

Development Of Laser-Induced Graphene-Based Bioanode Incorporating Thylakoid For Harvesting Energy, Amit Sarode

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Thylakoid-Based Biofuel Cells (TBFCs) present significant potential as renewable power sources; however, their development is impeded by challenges including delicate thylakoid membranes, limited electron transport efficiency, stability and dependence on expensive mediators. This study aimed to address these challenges by fabricating a novel photo-driven bioanode through the integration of Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG), Nb₄C₃T_x MXene, and thylakoid membranes. The fabrication process involved laser engraving to generate porous LIG electrodes, followed by MXene drop casting and thylakoid immobilization to enhance electrochemical performance and surface area. Morphological characterization supported that MXene incorporation increased active sites and surface roughness, …

Development Of Flexible Lactate-Specific Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based On Laser-Induced Graphene Electrochemical Biosensors For Disease Diagnosis, Christopher Animashaun

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Lactate is a critical biomarker linked to conditions such as sepsis, ischemia, cancer, and heart failure. Current lactate detection methods remain invasive, costly, and unsuitable for real-time, continuous monitoring. This study presents the development of a flexible, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for highly selective and sensitive lactate measurement. The integration of AuNPs enhanced surface conductivity and provided nanoscale heterogeneity, facilitating superior signal amplification. The optimized LIG/AuNP/MIP sensor achieved an extensive dynamic detection range from 0.1 μM to 1000 μM, with an outstanding detection limit of …

Updated Document On Standard Terminology For Foot And Ankle, Jason T. Bariteau, Constantine A. Demetracopoulos, Ahmed Khalil Attia, Nacime Salomão Barbachan Mansur, Daniel J. Scott, Karen M. Kruger, Amy L. Lenz

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The Standardized Terminology and Measurement Subcommittee was established as an ad hoc academic entity at the behest of Dr Ian Alexander in 1990. Members who have served on the committee include Ian Alexander, David Katcherian, Harold Kitaoka, Bright McConnell, Chris Reynolds, Charles Saltzman, and Saul Trevino. This subcommittee met twice yearly at the annual winter and summer meetings. This initial work was coordinated with members of the POSNA’s Committee on Terminology and Measurement.   These definitions were published in Foot & Ankle International and were expected to be included in the Guidelines for Manuscript Preparation, which was never done.

Activity And Function Of The Endothelial Sodium Channel Is Regulated By The Effector Domain Of Marcks-Like Protein 1 In Mouse Aortic Endothelial Cells, Ling Yu, Niharika Bala, Van-Anh L. Nguyen, Leah Kessler, John F. Ladisa Jr., Abdel A. Alli

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Enhanced endothelial sodium channel (EnNaC) functioning causes an increase in vessel stiffness. Here, we investigated the regulation of EnNaC in mouse aortic endothelial cells (mAoECs) by the actin cytoskeleton and lipid raft association protein myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate-like protein 1 (MLP1). We hypothesized that mutation of specific amino acid residues within the effector domain of MLP1 or loss of association between MLP1 and the anionic phospholipid phosphate PIP2 would significantly alter membrane association and EnNaC activity in mAoECs. mAoECs transiently transfected with a mutant MLP1 construct (three serine residues in the effector domain replaced with aspartate residues) showed a significant …

Painting Rich Six-Dimensional Pictures Using Polarized Fluorescence Microscopy, Matthew D. Lew

Electrical & Systems Engineering Publications and Presentations

No abstract provided.

Development And Analysis Of The Kinematic-Dynamic Model Of The Rehabilitation Exoskeleton System, Umidjon Abdumutalipovich Takabaev, Zafar Botirovich Juraev

Technical science and innovation

Designing modern rehabilitation exoskeleton systems requires a comprehensive study of human-machine interactions. In this process, creating kinematic and dynamic mathematical models of the system is extremely important. In this paper, we develop mathematical models that describe rehabilitation exoskeleton systems' kinematic and dynamic properties. Based on the Denavit-Hartenberg method we construct kinematic model of the exoskeleton system. The method gave us to determine the coordinate system for each joint. Furthermore, we also study the motion range of joints of the exoskeleton. Modeling the dynamic properties of the system performed with the second-order Lagrange equation. The exoskeleton construction consisting of knee, thigh, …

Sorption-Spectroscopic Method For Determining Mn Ions In Wastewater, Zulayho Asanalievna Smanova, Zukhra Ziyatovna Yakshieva, Nazira Kuchkarbayevna Madusmanova, Gulyorkhon Otkir Qizi Miradkhamova

Technical science and innovation

In this article, the processes of metal complex synthesis are studied in detail. Zinc OEDF+NTF complexation reactions were carried out in the presence of polyhydric alcohols, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and citric acid. For the first time, the synergistic efficiency of a mixture of zinc OEDF+NTF complexes with methyldiethanolamine, used as an inhibitor of mineral salt accumulation, was studied. It was found that when selecting the components in equivalent amounts, the inhibition efficiency of the composition is at least 90%. The high efficiency of inhibiting mineral salt accumulation in the composition is due to the presence of methyldiethanolamine, alkylimidazoline, and their …

The Influence Of Dispersed Fillers On The Mechanical Properties Of Sulfur Polymer Heterocomposites, Erkin Abdukhafizovich Rakhmatov, Durdiymurad Gurbanovich Gadamov, Umida Alijonovna Ziyamukhamedova, Jasurbek Himmat Ugli Nafasov, Elbek Tukhtanazar Ugli Turgunaliev, Shokhjakhon Uktam Ugli Abdurakhimov

Technical science and innovation

This article discusses improving the physical, mechanical, and operational properties of composite materials modified with sulfur-containing plasticizers used in the modern construction industry. Furthermore, based on an in-depth analysis of the literature, the types and sizes of fillers and the significance of their mixing technology in the formation of a structure with low porosity of a composite material with a sulfur binder have been studied. The article thoroughly describes a method for obtaining a composite material with a stable sulfur-containing binder, the processes of preparing a solid filler, impregnating the filler with an organic modifier, humidifying and heating the filler …

Evaluation Of Gfap And Ptau Protein Expression In Male And Female Cci Mouse Models, Sara Wallace

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious public health concern that leads to the death or disability of thousands of individuals in the US annually. Progression of TBI involves primary damage from the initial, mechanical injury and secondary damage, from nonmechanical, pathological dysfunction. The secondary damage mechanisms can be better understood, diagnosed, and treated through the quantification of TBI biomarkers. The two biomarkers of interest in this study are pTau and GFAP. The male and female mouse models showed similar significant increase in GFAP following injury, as well as a general lack of increase in pTau expression following the injury. …

Multimodal Ai-Driven Biomarker For Early Detection Of Cancer Cachexia, Sabeen Ahmed

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer cachexia is a metabolic syndrome characterized by substantial skeletal muscle loss, impacting cancer patients' survival and quality of life. Despite its clinical significance, early detection remains a challenge due to the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and the reliance on indirect markers. This work presents an AI-driven approach to enhance cachexia detection and monitoring by integrating multiple deep learning methodologies. We explore transformer architectures for time-series analysis to model sequential medical data, enabling disease prediction and progression modeling. To ensure robust and reliable decision-making in clinical settings, we explore Bayesian deep neural networks for uncertainty estimation. Additionally, we introduce …

Stable Heteroclinic Channels As A Decision-Making Model: Overcoming Low Signal-To-Noise Ratio With Mutual Inhibition, Natasha A. Rouse

Faculty Scholarship

Bio-inspired robot controllers are becoming more complex as we strive to make them more robust to, and flexible in, noisy, real-world environments. A stable heteroclinic network (SHN) is a dynamical system that produces cyclical state transitions using noisy input. SHN-based robot controllers enable sensory input to be integrated at the phase-space level of the controller, thus simplifying sensor-integrated, robot control methods. In this work, we investigate the mechanism that drives branching state trajectories in SHNs. We liken the branching state trajectories to decision-splits imposed into the system, which opens the door for more sophisticated controls-all driven by sensory input. This …

How Engineering Students Learn And Are Impacted By Empathy Training: A Multi-Year Study Of An Empathy Program Focused On Disability And Technology, Eric Schearer

Faculty Scholarship

Measurable results of efforts to teach empathy to engineering students are sparse and somewhat mixed. This study’s objectives are (O1) to understand how empathy training affects students’ professional development relative to other educational experiences, (O2) to track empathy changes due to training over multiple years, and (O3) to understand how and what students learn in empathy training environments.

Development, Optimization, And Validation Of A High-Sensitivity Capillary Zone Electrophoresis System For Bioanalytical Applications, Aaron I. Mena

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is a powerful analytical technique widely used for biomolecular separation due to its high resolution, efficiency, and sensitivity. This report presents the development and validation of a novel CZE system designed to improve modularity, reproducibility, and operational efficiency. The system integrates a laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection method with a 488 nm laser, enhanced fluid control through a negative pressure system, and a user-friendly GUI for automated operation and data acquisition. Performance verification included pressure stability tests, fluorescence accuracy assessments, and electrophoretic reproducibility studies. Comparative analysis with a previous CZE iteration confirmed improved baseline stability, peak resolution, …

Advancing Tka Biomechanics: From Joint Simulator To Boundary Condition Development, Yashar Ali Behnam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses four specific aims that collectively attempted to advance the experimental and computational analysis of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components. The first study focused on the development of a novel whole knee joint simulator capable of simultaneous tibiofemoral and patellofemoral knee loading. This simulator employs custom fixturing to facilitate dynamic, unconstrained, muscle-driven PF articulation alongside controlled TF contact mechanics. Validation against experimental measurements showed strong agreement, demonstrating the simulator's potential as a valuable tool for future TKA design and surgical technique investigations.

The second study verified implant-specific physiological boundary conditions which accurately simulate activities of daily living using …