Engineering Commons^™

Effects Of Invigorating And Relaxing Music On Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, And Heart Rate Variability, Matthew Joshua Faur

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Heart-rate variability (HRV) has been documented to correlate with several health measures, including autonomic nervous system longevity and athletic performance (Zulfiqar, 2010). While increasing age does not affect heart rate, there is a steady decline in HRV, which is a biological marker of aging and the decline of autonomic nervous system function. Furthermore, men who exercise regularly tend to have increased HRV, suggesting a mitigation of the typical age-dependent loss of HRV (Kristal-Boneh et al., 1995). Previous studies have suggested that music may have a physiological effect (e.g., fluctuating vitals, emotional changes) on cardiovascular parameters. However, little is known about …

Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness And Kinetics In-Vivo, Chloe L. Pinkston

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study aims to measure the gastrocnemii Achilles subtendon passive stiffness and energy storage during walking. Stiffness was first determined using a noninvasive method that combines ultrasound, motion capture, musculoskeletal modeling, and a force transducer. Eight healthy participants were tested using this method to obtain the passive force-displacement relationship of the Achilles tendon at two different knee angles to calculate stiffness of the gastrocnemii subtendon. A gait analysis session was then performed using ultrasound, motion capture, and an instrumented treadmill at self-selected slow, normal, and fast walking speeds, using stiffness to calculate the subtendon’s force and energy storage. Gastrocnemii Achilles …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Multifunctional Cerium Oxide Containing Nanoparticles For Biomedical Applications, Ishaan Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a novel core-shell nanoparticle composed of a maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) core and a europium-doped cerium oxide (EuCNP) shell, developed for potential use in cancer theranostics. Using a co-precipitation method, Fe₂O₃–EuCNP core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized and compared against control samples of CNPs, EuCNPs, and Fe₂O₃. A variety of characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, XPS, DLS, TGA, and DSC confirmed the successful synthesis of core-shell architecture and europium doping. Moreover, Fe₂O₃–EuCNPs demonstrating strong colloidal …

Effects Of Changes In Strouhal And Reynolds Numbers On Beetle Wing Aerodynamics, Keith L. Thiha

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Insect flight has long been a subject of interest across the scientific community, largely due to the exceptional aerodynamic performance insects demonstrate relative to their size. Insects tend to have very high aerodynamic performance characteristics like thrust and lift generation compared to their size. This has many potential applications in improving aircraft performance, however the flow phenomena concerning insect wing aerodynamics is still an area of ongoing research. This study aims to investigate how variations in key nondimensional flow parameters—specifically the Reynolds number and Strouhal number—affect the aerodynamic performance of beetle wings. Strouhal numbers ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 were …

Electro-Vascular Dynamics During Auditory Processing: Variation Along The Schizotypy Continuum, John P. Mclinden

Open Access Dissertations

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) are complementary noninvasive neuroimaging modalities that have contributed greatly to our understanding of the mechanisms of auditory processing. As an emerging technology, fNIRS has produced promising insights into the mechanisms of auditory processing, although considerable work remains to characterize hemodynamic responses in auditory tasks. In addition, the complementary nature of EEG and fNIRS and the relationships between the signals they record have been underexplored. In particular, nonlinear interactions between these signals remain under-characterized, despite the potential benefit to future multimodal neuroimaging studies. A challenge in understanding these interactions is the influence of systemic …

Pharmacological Or Genetic Inhibition Of Ltcc Promotes Cardiomyocyte Proliferation Through Inhibition Of Calcineurin Activity, Lynn A. C. Devilée, Abou Bakr M. Salama, Jessica M. Miller, Janice D. Reid, Qinghui Ou, Nourhan M. Baraka, Kamal Abou Farraj, Madiha Jamal, Yibing Nong, Todd K. Rosengart, Douglas A. Andres, Jonathan Satin, Tamer M. A. Mohamed, James E. Hudson, Riham R. E. Abouleisa

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Cardiomyocytes (CMs) lost during ischemic cardiac injury cannot be replaced due to their limited proliferative capacity. Calcium is an important signal transducer that regulates key cellular processes, but its role in regulating CM proliferation is incompletely understood. Here we show a robust pathway for new calcium signaling-based cardiac regenerative strategies. A drug screen targeting proteins involved in CM calcium cycling in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac organoids (hCOs) revealed that only the inhibition of L-Type Calcium Channel (LTCC) induced the CM cell cycle. Furthermore, overexpression of Ras-related associated with Diabetes (RRAD), an endogenous inhibitor of LTCC, induced CM cell cycle …

Functional Assessment Of Migration And Adhesion To Quantify Cancer Cell Aggression, Lauren E. Mehanna, James D. Boyd, Chloe G. Walker, Adrianna R. Osborne, Martha E. Grady, Brad J. Berron

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

During epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer cells lose their cell–cell adhesion junctions as they become more metastatic, altering cell motility and focal adhesion disassembly associated with increased detachment from the primary tumor and a migratory response into nearby tissue and vasculature. Current in vitro strategies characterizing a cell’s metastatic potential heavily favor quantifying the presence of cell adhesion biomarkers through biochemical analysis; however, mechanical cues such as adhesion and motility directly relate to cell metastatic potential without needing to first identify a cell specific biomarker for a particular type of cancer. This paper presents a comprehensive comparison of two functional metrics …

Inactivation Of Zika Virus With Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin, Cory R. Hewitt, Nicholas J. Wixon, Arthur Gallegos, You Zhou, Victor C. Huber, M. Scott. Killian

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Background/Objectives: Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is associated with life-threatening diseases in humans. To date, there are no available FDA-approved therapies or vaccines for the specific treatment or prevention of ZIKV infection. Variation in the ZIKV envelope protein (Env), along with its complex quaternary structure, presents challenges to synthetic approaches for developing an effective vaccine and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). We hypothesized that beta-cyclodextrin (BCD) could be used to uniquely inactivate infectious ZIKV without disruption of Env.

Methods: ZIKV was propagated in Vero cells and admixed with BCD. The BCD-treated ZIKV was evaluated for infectivity using immunofluorescence and quantitative …

Microscopic Analysis Of Temperature Effects On Surface Colonization And Biofilm Morphology Of Salmonella Enterica, Zachariah Vice, You Zhou, Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Rong Wang

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Salmonella enterica represents a diverse group of pathogens commonly associated with food contamination including red meat. Even though pre- and post-harvest cleaning and sanitization procedures are widely implemented at meat processing plants to mitigate the hazard, S. enterica cells may escape the process by colonizing, on contact, surfaces in the form of a biofilm that functions as an aggregated microbial community to facilitate mutual protection, antimicrobial resistance, proliferation and dissemination. Biofilm development is a complex process that can be affected by a variety of factors including environmental temperature. We developed methods using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy with a …

Characterization Of Multispecies Microbial Communities At Beef And Pork Processing Plants And Their Impact On Pathogen Stress Tolerance, Rong Wang, Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Vignesh Palanisamy, You Zhou, Tatum Katz, Joseph M. Bosilevac

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica are major foodborne pathogens. Biofilm formation may potentially contribute to product contamination by these pathogens at meat processing facilities. Further, pathogen stress tolerance may vary significantly due to the interactions with the multispecies microbial community at meat plants, which may be affected by processing activity, animal species, and the local selective pressure caused by sanitization practices.

We characterized natural microorganisms collected from floor drains at various areas at three beef plants and two pork plants and analyzed their impact on pathogen sanitizer tolerance.

The pathogen strains were able to integrate efficiently into the multispecies …

Investigation Using Single Point Incremental Forming (Spif) To Fabricate Patient-Specific, Titanium Orbital Floor Implants, Elizabeth M. Mamros, Lauren E. Blaha Md, Christian A. Kauffman Md

Faculty Conference Papers and Presentations

The floor of the human orbit is composed of thin bone that is prone to traumatic fracture. This leads to a loss of support for the eye, which can cause vision changes. Therefore, fractures may need surgical reconstruction using a thin, sheet-like implant. Titanium implants are available off-the-shelf in standard sizes, but fitting to each patient’s unique anatomy requires surgeons to cut, file, and bend these plates. This can be time-consuming and imprecise. To both save time and ensure a perfect fit for the patient, a custom plate can be created prior to surgery. This investigation focuses on single-point incremental …

Multimodal Imaging Of Protein-Based Biomaterials For Delivering Chemo-Agent Cargo For Glioblastoma Treatment In A Murine Model, Orin Mishkit

Dissertations and Theses

Protein-based self-assembling biomaterials, known as Thermo-Responsive Assembled Proteins (TRAP), present meaningful potential as drug delivery carriers. These materials enable the controlled, slow release of poorly soluble chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin (Dox), while potentially reducing systemic off-target effects. In collaboration with multiple NYU labs, this study evaluated the efficacy of two TRAP variants—TRAP and F-TRAP—as drug delivery carriers in a xenograft mouse model of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of TRAP-loaded Dox (TRAP-DOX) to free Dox in achieving tumor extravasation and accumulation, facilitating sustained drug release. We hypothesized that the leaky vasculature of GBM …

Adaptation Of The Biodent For Spherical Microindentation To Determine Elastic Modulus In Small Rodent Bones, Mixame E. Jerome

Dissertations and Theses

Mechanical and material properties of bone are essential for understanding both normal skeletal function and the progression of bone-related diseases. Microindentation has become a widely used method for evaluating tissue mechanical properties of bone, as it samples the contributions of microarchitecture and composition. Microindentation using a standard pointed tip inherently introduces both elastic and plastic deformation into the material. In contrast, indentation with a spherical tip can be operated entirely in the elastic range, providing for a non-damaging test that has significant advantages over sharp indentation techniques. Moreover, a key advantage of using spherical indentation lies in its operation under …

Explorations Of Dna-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interactions To Develop Multiplexed Molecularly Specific Biosensors For Inflammation, Amelia K. Ryan

Dissertations and Theses

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) are central regulators of immune signaling and key biomarkers of disease, yet existing assays for their detection remain slow, invasive, and lack multiplexing ability. This dissertation advances the development of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) optical nanosensors capable of real-time, multiplexed, and molecularly specific cytokine detection through innovative use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interfaces.

First, an IL-6-specific DNA aptamer was employed as both a dispersing agent and recognition probe for SWCNT fluorescence sensing. Sequence modifications, including anchor domains, truncations, and thermally induced refolding, were systematically tested to optimize sensitivity and selectivity. The …

Advancing Electrical Stimulation: Full-Head Mri Segmentation For Abnormal Brain Anatomy With Tdcs, Andrew Birnbaum

Dissertations and Theses

Evaluating the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is essential for guiding its integration into therapeutic and performance-enhancement applications. In our laboratory, we investigate the efficacy of tDCS across multiple experimental models, including both animal and human studies. I have contributed significantly to the execution and analysis of these experiments, which include studies in rats and healthy human participants aimed at evaluating whether electrical stimulation of the motor cortex can enhance motor learning. These studies assess improvements in fine motor performance resulting from tDCS. In stroke patients, I contribute to our investigation of tDCS as a rehabilitative intervention, particularly …

Wearable Disposable Elecetrotherapy, Mohamad Fallahrad

Dissertations and Theses

Non-invasive electrotherapies offer promising treatments for a wide range of conditions such as pain, headaches, depression, addiction, cognitive decline, wound healing, and drug delivery. However, patient compliance remains low due to the high initial cost, cumbersomeness and inconvenience of existing technology compared to pharmaceuticals. Current electrotherapy devices are often bulky and require users to connect disposable electrodes, initiate programs, and manage charging cycles, which hinders widespread adoption.

We address these challenges by designing and validating a novel electrotherapy platform that is single-use, disposable, low-cost, and wearable. Activated automatically upon skin contact, the device delivers a preset dose of controlled electrical …

Characterization Of The Intrinsic Neural Timescale Indices As A Reliable Fingerprint Of Brain Dynamics, Helya Honarpisheh

Dissertations and Theses

Intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) characterize the persistence of neural activity over time and offer insight into the brain’s temporal hierarchy. This thesis evaluates and compares six autocorrelation-based INT metrics—AR(1) Coefficient (Autoregressive Coefficient at 1), First Zero Lag, Lag at ACF = 1/e, Sum of Positive ACFs, ACF at Half Lag, Exponential Decay Constant (τ)— using resting-state fMRI data from 400 cortical regions across a large, lifespan sample (ages 6– 85) from the NKI-Rockland dataset. A discriminability analysis revealed that the AR(1) coefficient provided the highest test-retest reliability and individual specificity across repeated scans, establishing it as the most reliable INT …

Generation And Characterization Of Human Blood-Brain Barrier Models For Investigating Neuropsychiatric Disorders And Tumor Metastasis, Yunfei Li

Dissertations and Theses

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is important in the normal function of the central nervous system (CNS). An altered BBB has been described in various neuropsychiatric disorders. The brain-specific microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) is an essential structural component of the BBB. To test if integrity of the BBB formed by BMECs is compromised in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge syndrome), which is one of the validated genetic risk factors for schizophrenia, a 2D iBBB (induced BBB) on a Transwell filter was generated from human microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) out of patients with …

Interfacing Neural Models: Biocompatibility And Fabrication Of A Flexible, Self-Folding Microelectrode Array, Fernando A. Pesantez Torres

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a formidable challenge in modern medicine, necessitating the development of advanced research tools that can elucidate their complex pathophysiology. Recent advancements in neurodegenerative disease research have led to the development of three-dimensional (3D) neurodegenerative organoids using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). These organoids closely mimic human brain architecture and functionality, providing a valuable tool for understanding complex diseases. Additionally, the ability to generate and study brain organoids consistently and in large quantities holds potential for a controlled in vitro setting and high-throughput drug screening. However, these models are complex systems requiring specialized maintenance, analysis, and manipulation …

Globus Pallidus Internus Dynamics During Freezing Of Gait, Nicholas Druck, Dean J. Krusienski, Josephine Wallner

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting ~1 in 1000 individuals over age 45. Freezing of Gait (FOG), a debilitating symptom in late-stage PD, affects up to 63% of patients and contributes to falls and reduced quality of life. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) helps some symptoms, FOG remains difficult to treat. Given the complexity of basal ganglia circuitry, the role of related basal ganglia nuclei, such as the Globus Pallidus internus (GPi), in FOG deserves further investigation.

Methods: Five PD patients with FOG, implanted with Medtronic Percept DBS systems …

Laser-Induced Graphene For Early Disease Detection: A Review, Sri Ramulu Torati, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Electrochemical biosensors have been instrumental in early disease detection, facilitating effective monitoring and treatment. The emergence of graphene has significantly advanced sensor technology in various fields, including biomedicine, electronics, and energy. In this landscape, laser‐induced graphene (LIG) has emerged as a superior alternative to conventional graphene synthesis methods. Its straightforward fabrication process and compatibility with wearable devices boost its practicality and potential for real‐world applications. This review highlights the transformative potential of LIG in biosensing, showcasing its contributions to the development of next‐generation diagnostic tools for early disease detection. An overview of the LIG synthesis process and its applications in …

Leveraging Deep Learning For The Automated Detection Of Hemophilic Arthropathy In Knee Radiographs, En-Wei Lin, Edzer Wu, Ming-Ching Shen, Shao-Li Han

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background/Purpose:

Hemophilic arthropathy (HA) is a progressive joint disease caused by recurrent hemarthroses in patients with hemophilia. Early radiographic identification of HA is critical for timely intervention and long-term joint preservation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate deep learning models for automated detection of HA in knee radiographs.

Methods:

A retrospective dataset of 849 knee radiographs (AP and lateral views) was used to train three convolutional neural networks: ResNet-34, DenseNet-121, and EfficientNet-B0. Model performance was assessed using standard classification metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC. Interpretability was evaluated using Grad-CAM heatmaps.

Results:

DenseNet-121 achieved balanced performance on …

Lung Uptake Of Two Spect Markers Identifies Sensitivity To Hyperoxia-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome In Rats, Anne V. Clough, Taheri Pardis, Guru P. Sharma, Ming Zhao, Elizabeth R. Jacobs, Said H. Audi

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Exposure of adult rats to hyperoxia is a well-established model of human Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Although rats exposed to 100% O₂ display clinical evidence of lung injury after ∼40 h and death by 72 h, rats exposed to 60% O₂ for up to 7 days show little sign of injury. However, when subsequently exposed to hyperoxia, these pre-exposed rats become more susceptible to ARDS. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of imaging biomarkers to track this hyperoxia susceptibility and to elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either room …

Scoping Review Of Machine Learning Techniques In Marker-Based Clinical Gait Analysis, Kevin N. Dibbern, Maddalena G. Krzak, Alejandro Olivas, Mark V. Albert, Joseph J. Krzak, Karen M. Kruger

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The recent proliferation of novel machine learning techniques in quantitative marker-based 3D gait analysis (3DGA) has shown promise for improving interpretations of clinical gait analysis. The objective of this study was to characterize the state of the literature on using machine learning in the analysis of marker-based 3D gait analysis to provide clinical insights that may be used to improve clinical analysis and care. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Search terms from eight relevant articles were identified by the authors and added to by experts in clinical gait …

Molecular Characterization Of Leptin Gene In Sheep (Ovis Aries), Shahenda M. Hegazy, Mohamed Fouda, Ahmed Ateya, Huda A. El Emam

Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal

INTRODUCTION: Advances in molecular genetic techniques have simplified the process of identifying individual differences at the DNA level. Genetic polymorphisms at candidate genes controlling economic features have recently drawn a lot of scholarly attention due to their potential as a tool for genetic selection and the identification of evolutionary linkages in livestock. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to detect nucleotide sequence variants in Lep gene as genetic markers for growth and heat tolerance traits in Barki and Abudeleik sheep using PCR-DNA sequencing approach in search of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). METHODS: 30 female ewes, 15 of each breed (Barki and Aboudeleik) …

Development Of A Mediation Model Of Pain Cognition In Adult Patients With Sickle Cell Disease, Daniel M. Sop

Theses and Dissertations

Pain is a hallmark of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic hemoglobinopathy characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusion, and organ damage. While acute vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) have been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying chronic pain and its interplay with brain function remain unclear. This dissertation investigates the relationships between cerebral blood flow (CBF), fluid cognition, and pain sensitivity in adults with SCD, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and validated assessment tools.

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were employed to measure CBF and brain activity, respectively. Pain sensitivity was assessed using the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ), and …

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

Theses and Dissertations

The induction of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is initiated by a

number of protiens and growth factors, one of which is the profibrotic cytokine Trans-

forming Growth Factor β (TGF-β). Within the extracellular matrix (ECM), TGF-β

is found in a latent, inactive form bound to proteins such as fibronectin (FN). For

TGF-β to contribute to EMT induction, it has to be extracted from the latent com-

plexes into a soluble form. This soluble, activated TGF-β can then bind to receptors

on the cell membrane, which causes the transduction of signals that begin EMT. Re-

search has shown that the release …

Strength Imbalances And Shoulder Pain In Manual Wheelchair Users Stratified By Age Of Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (Sci/D) Onset, Ashlyn M. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction The majority of manual wheelchair users (MWUs) with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) develop shoulder pain. In adults with SCI/D, there is evidence that upper limb strength imbalances are associated with shoulder pain. However, strength imbalances may indicate protective compensatory strategies, and other factors may be important contributors to pain. Currently, personalized prevention and management of pain is limited, little is known about joint strength imbalances and pain in children who use manual wheelchairs, and the effect of the age of SCI/D onset is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of age …

Rehabilitation In Stroke-Related Flexor Synergy, Shawn J. Dirocco

Theses and Dissertations

Upper extremity abnormal flexor synergy caused by stroke can impair individuals by coupling upper extremity muscles with deltoid activation. Previous studies have shown that reduction in deltoid loading can decrease flexor synergy. Robotic rehabilitation has the ability to allow for reduced deltoid loading while assisting or constraining joints along the arm to increase rehabilitation outcomes. The effects of higher degree of freedom low impedance robotics needs to be tested to learn how various parameters affect flexor synergy in comparison to end point robotics. During the first experiment, we tested 16 chronic stroke patients with flexor synergy problems in 3 tasks. …

Characterization Of Nanoplastic-Induced Exacerbation Of Asthmatic Pathophysiology In A Murine In Vivo Model, Keith Li

Theses and Dissertations

As global plastic production increases, so does the environmental and biological presence of nanoplastics (NPs), raising growing concerns about their potential impact on human health. These particles have been detected in various organs, including the lungs, yet their role in respiratory inflammation remains largely unexplored. Emerging evidence suggests that NP exposure may influence immune responses in the lungs, particularly in individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma. However, the specific ways in which these particles interact with allergen driven inflammation are still unclear.

In this study, a murine model of allergic airway inflammation was used to investigate how surface modified …