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Full-Text Articles in Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering

From Lime To Geopolymers: Emerging Trends And Advances In Sustainable Soil Stabilization, Favour Chukwuebuka Egwu, Amin Eisazadeh Feb 2026

From Lime To Geopolymers: Emerging Trends And Advances In Sustainable Soil Stabilization, Favour Chukwuebuka Egwu, Amin Eisazadeh

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Soil stabilization remains a critical challenge in geotechnical engineering, particularly for weak and expansive soils that compromise the safety and serviceability of infrastructure. Traditional stabilizers such as lime and cement have been widely applied; however, their limitations in terms of long-term durability, carbon footprint, and performance under aggressive environmental conditions necessitate alternative approaches. In recent years, geopolymer-based stabilizers derived from industrial by-products such as fly ash (FA), slag, and bottom ash (BA) have emerged as promising substitutes. This review critically examines the comparative performance of lime and geopolymer stabilization with respect to strength development, durability, compressibility, environmental impact, and economic …


Investigating The Behavior Of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Scms And Recycled Fine Aggregates, Sachin Tiwari, Mahakavi P Feb 2026

Investigating The Behavior Of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Scms And Recycled Fine Aggregates, Sachin Tiwari, Mahakavi P

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study addresses the unresolved gap in quantifying how recycled fine aggregates (RFA) and metakaolin (MK) interact synergistically in self-compacting concrete (SCC), a relationship that previous works have studied only in isolation or without mechanistic justification. Twenty-five SCC mixtures containing MK (0–25%) and RFA (0–100%) were evaluated to generate a unified understanding of fresh behaviour, strength development, pore refinement, interfacial transition zone (ITZ) characteristics, and sustainability indicators. Results show that RFA alone increases water demand and reduces strength, while MK compensates for these losses by densifying the matrix and improving ITZ bonding, as confirmed through SEM analysis. An optimum synergy …


Nanoparticles May Improve How Antiviral Compounds Are Delivered For Herpes Virus 1, Emilia Huff Feb 2026

Nanoparticles May Improve How Antiviral Compounds Are Delivered For Herpes Virus 1, Emilia Huff

Research on Capitol Hill

HSV-1, a strain of herpes, infects the majority of adults in the US and has been linked to neurological damage.


Tetramethylbenzidine Loaded Pva Nanofibers Strip For Visual Detection Of Hydrogen Peroxide Via Cu2+ Catalysis And Its Applications, Samar A. Salim Feb 2026

Tetramethylbenzidine Loaded Pva Nanofibers Strip For Visual Detection Of Hydrogen Peroxide Via Cu2+ Catalysis And Its Applications, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Background Advancements in sensor technology have facilitated the development of cost-effective and highly sensitive sensors which have significantly improved the detection of biological analytes in various fields. This study presents a novel approach for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a critical analyte in both biological and environmental systems. A simple and sensitive colorimetric sensing platform was developed based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers loaded with tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Results The nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, confirming the formation of smooth, spindle-shaped fibers with diameters from 324 to 551 nm. The colorimetric detection method utilized TMB, which undergoes oxidation …


Strategic Research On Rebco High-Temperature Superconducting Tapes, Tianping Ying, Dongliang Wang, Pengtao Yang, Lin Zhao, Zhongtang Xu, Ziyi Liu, Chao Yao, Yanwei Ma, Xingjiang Zhou, Jinguang Cheng, Zhong Fang Feb 2026

Strategic Research On Rebco High-Temperature Superconducting Tapes, Tianping Ying, Dongliang Wang, Pengtao Yang, Lin Zhao, Zhongtang Xu, Ziyi Liu, Chao Yao, Yanwei Ma, Xingjiang Zhou, Jinguang Cheng, Zhong Fang

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

High-temperature superconducting materials, represented by REBCO (REBa2Cu3O7-δ, where RE denotes rare-earth elements), are of significant strategic importance in fields such as energy, healthcare, and large-scale scientific facilities due to their excellent performance in the liquid nitrogen temperature range. However, they still face severe challenges in long-tape uniformity, production cost, and engineering reliability. Future development must shift toward a “material-processing-application” collaborative innovation model, aiming at enhancing flux pinning, optimizing the interfaces and mechanical properties of the multilayer structure, and integrating scalable and intelligent fabrication technologies to promote the low-cost and stable production of high-performance tapes. This study analyzes the core application …


Neuproio: A Dual-Action Solid Drug Nanoparticle Topical Formulation For Simultaneous Intraocular Pressure Reduction And Neuroprotection For Glaucoma, Lei Xu, Mu Li, Lin Qi, Tzu Chen Wang, Dong Liu, Vimalin Jeyalatha Mani, Hsin Yin Chuang, Qingbo Yang, Ruipu Mu, Samira Mahdi, Da Huang, Honglan Shi, Yang Hu, Hu Yang Feb 2026

Neuproio: A Dual-Action Solid Drug Nanoparticle Topical Formulation For Simultaneous Intraocular Pressure Reduction And Neuroprotection For Glaucoma, Lei Xu, Mu Li, Lin Qi, Tzu Chen Wang, Dong Liu, Vimalin Jeyalatha Mani, Hsin Yin Chuang, Qingbo Yang, Ruipu Mu, Samira Mahdi, Da Huang, Honglan Shi, Yang Hu, Hu Yang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, primarily due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the retina and optic nerve. Most topical glaucoma treatments focus solely on IOP-lowering without direct neuroprotection, as drug delivery to the posterior eye is challenging. Here, we developed NeuProIO, a dual-action solid drug nanoparticle (NP) eye drop for simultaneous IOP reduction and neuroprotection. Using flash nanoprecipitation in a multi-inlet vortex mixer, we fabricated the first NeuProIO solid drug NPs incorporating the repurposed neuroprotective agent maprotiline (MAP) and the IOP-lowering agent betaxolol (BX), forming MAP/BX NPs for synergistic glaucoma treatment. The NeuProIO improved stability …


Intravascular Ultrasound Is More Accurate Than Angiography In Arteriovenous Vascular Access Lesions, James W. Decker, Dima Banihani, Curtis Honshideler, Saran Lotfollahzadeh, David Jasen Wu Wong, Alik Farber, Jeffrey J. Siracuse, Najia Idrees, Laura Dember, Mohammad Bader, Suvranu Ganguli, Vijaya Kolachalama, Tarek Shazly Feb 2026

Intravascular Ultrasound Is More Accurate Than Angiography In Arteriovenous Vascular Access Lesions, James W. Decker, Dima Banihani, Curtis Honshideler, Saran Lotfollahzadeh, David Jasen Wu Wong, Alik Farber, Jeffrey J. Siracuse, Najia Idrees, Laura Dember, Mohammad Bader, Suvranu Ganguli, Vijaya Kolachalama, Tarek Shazly

Faculty Publications

Background:

Conventional angiography remains the standard diagnostic modality for arteriovenous (AV) access dysfunction in hemodialysis patients, but its geometric accuracy is limited. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) offers superior lesion detection, yet its absolute measurement accuracy remains uncertain. Using three-dimensional (3D) printed vascular conduits as reference standards, we assessed the accuracy of IVUS versus angiography, hypothesizing that complex conduit geometry, quantified by Gaussian curvature, would exacerbate angiographic error.

Methods

Clinically relevant AV access geometries were modeled with computer-aided design (CAD) and fabricated using 3D printing. Lumen diameters were measured by contrast angiography and IVUS and compared with CAD dimensions. Conduit geometry was …


In Situ Detection Of Dead Cells From Live Cells Via A Dc Plus Low Frequency Ac Resistive Pulse Sensor, Jiang Zhe, Ge Zhang, Joseph Ketchum, Ashely Wong Feb 2026

In Situ Detection Of Dead Cells From Live Cells Via A Dc Plus Low Frequency Ac Resistive Pulse Sensor, Jiang Zhe, Ge Zhang, Joseph Ketchum, Ashely Wong

University Research

Differentiation and detection of live and dead cells are critical for assessing cell viability in biomedical research, evaluating drug efficacy, and monitoring cytotoxicity in therapeutic applications. We present a microfluidic sensor that consists of two successive resistive pulse sensing channels. An excitation signal composed of a low-frequency AC (75 kHz) component and a DC bias was used to measure four key parameters. Through the AC measurement, differences in cell impedance causes variations in phase angle and voltage peak. From the DC measurement, cell size can be inferred from the resistive pulse magnitude, and the cell’s zeta potential is represented by …


Structural And Mechanical Properties Facilitate Shock Wave Damping By Helmet-Like Orbital Hoods In Snapping Shrimp, Mia Kazel, Rebekah E. Cammack, Alexandra C.N. Kingston, Ahmed A. Alshareef, Tarek Shazly, Daniel Isaac Speiser Feb 2026

Structural And Mechanical Properties Facilitate Shock Wave Damping By Helmet-Like Orbital Hoods In Snapping Shrimp, Mia Kazel, Rebekah E. Cammack, Alexandra C.N. Kingston, Ahmed A. Alshareef, Tarek Shazly, Daniel Isaac Speiser

Faculty Publications

Snapping shrimp damp the shock waves they produce and use as weapons with a helmet-like structure termed the orbital hood. Here, we ask how structural and material properties contribute to shock wave damping by orbital hoods in Alpheus heterochaelis. Using tensile mechanical testing, we find orbital hoods are approximately half as stiff as carapace and have twice the capacity for viscous energy dissipation. Microstructural features probably contribute to tissue-specific mechanical properties: the endocuticles of orbital hoods have almost twice as many lamellae as those of carapaces despite being half as thick, suggesting a mechanism for enhanced material mobility underlying …


Hyaluronan 35 Prevents Endotoxin-Mediated Dysregulated Skeletal Muscle Proteostasis During Ethanol Exposure, Nicole Welch, Pugazhendhi Kannan, Gangarao Davuluri, Annette Bellar, Amy H. Attaway, Saurabh Mishra, Jasmin A. Cunningham, Avinash Kumar, Ryan Musich, Elif G. Ertugral, Vandana Agrawal, Isaac L. Hu, Terri J. Hartford, Noah L. Weisleder, Vidula T. Vachharajani, Chandrasekhar R. Kothapalli Feb 2026

Hyaluronan 35 Prevents Endotoxin-Mediated Dysregulated Skeletal Muscle Proteostasis During Ethanol Exposure, Nicole Welch, Pugazhendhi Kannan, Gangarao Davuluri, Annette Bellar, Amy H. Attaway, Saurabh Mishra, Jasmin A. Cunningham, Avinash Kumar, Ryan Musich, Elif G. Ertugral, Vandana Agrawal, Isaac L. Hu, Terri J. Hartford, Noah L. Weisleder, Vidula T. Vachharajani, Chandrasekhar R. Kothapalli

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Sarcopenia in alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is of high clinical significance, but there are no effective treatments. Hyaluronan 35 kDa (HA35), a glycosaminoglycan polymer, modulates responses to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a lipopolysaccharide receptor, to improve hepatic and macrophage function in ALD. We evaluated skeletal muscle responses to HA35 in preclinical models of ALD. Responses to ethanol, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and HA35 were studied in differentiated murine C2C12/human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived myotubes, and wild-type/HA receptor CD44 knockout (CD44(-/-)) mouse models of ALD (mALD). Signaling molecules and measures of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) were quantified by immunoblots, mitochondrial oxidative function was determined …


Cellular Therapy For The Treatment Of Ischemic Limb Disease, Akazha Nicole Green Feb 2026

Cellular Therapy For The Treatment Of Ischemic Limb Disease, Akazha Nicole Green

ETDs from 2020-2029

Ischemic limb disease continues to pose major clinical challenges. The effect of this disease causes restricted blood flow, which is followed by a limited ability to regenerate in the vascular tissues. The purpose of this study is to address the current limitations in producing large-scale generation of Smooth Muscle Cells (SMCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and then assessing their potential therapeutic efficiency individually and in combination with endothelial cells (ECs) for vascular repair. A dynamic three-dimensional (3D) culture system was integrated with a two- dimensional (2D) expansion to enhance cell culture yield while maintaining contractile marker …


Numerical Investigation Of A Dual-Mode Shape Memory Alloy Stent Enabling Secondary Expansion Via Focused Ultrasound: A Potential Strategy For Correcting In-Stent Restenosis, Stephen Asare, Lucinda Duncan, Josiah Owusu-Danquah, Brian L. Davis Feb 2026

Numerical Investigation Of A Dual-Mode Shape Memory Alloy Stent Enabling Secondary Expansion Via Focused Ultrasound: A Potential Strategy For Correcting In-Stent Restenosis, Stephen Asare, Lucinda Duncan, Josiah Owusu-Danquah, Brian L. Davis

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Coronary stent implantation is an invasive procedure performed to correct atherosclerosis. The aftermath of this procedure is identified with neointimal hyperplasia, which contributes to in-stent restenosis (ISR), and thus remains a significant clinical challenge. This study introduces a novel, noninvasive conceptual approach for addressing ISR through the thermal activation of shape memory alloy (SMA) stent using focused ultrasound (FU) in a controlled manner to restore luminal patency. COMSOL Multiphysics and ABAQUS finite element software were employed to perform the numerical modeling to simulate the thermal and mechanical responses of the SMA stent integrated into the arterial wall. After 15 s …


Mechanical Characterization And Modeling Of Rat Myocardia Under The Influence Of Epirubicin, Abdallah Mahmoud Alkhaiyat Jan 2026

Mechanical Characterization And Modeling Of Rat Myocardia Under The Influence Of Epirubicin, Abdallah Mahmoud Alkhaiyat

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains a predominant health challenge that is responsible for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. Epirubicin (EPI), a chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug, has shown remarkable efficacy in combating various malignancies. However, it is known to have undesirable side effects on the heart, collectively referred to as cardiotoxicity. This research investigates the adverse effects of chemotherapy on cardiac contractility through an in vitro examination of the mechanics of healthy and infarcted animal heart tissues. Electrically stimulated slices of rat ventricular tissue were tested using an isometric force measurement tissue bath. The tissue slices were subjected to uniaxial stretching, allowing …


A Virtual-Reality-Based Dental Simulator For Endodontics With Automated Formative Feedback, Yousef Salah Abo El Ela Jan 2026

A Virtual-Reality-Based Dental Simulator For Endodontics With Automated Formative Feedback, Yousef Salah Abo El Ela

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and haptic technology are transforming the landscape of medical and dental education, offering new avenues for safe, immersive, and repeatable training experiences. Within dentistry, endodontics presents unique challenges for preclinical education due to anatomical complexity, limited access to extracted teeth, ethical concerns, and the shortcomings of conventional plastic models. Despite endodontics specific plastic teeth being available, they fall short of replicating the hardness of real extracted teeth, are relatively costly compared to generic plastic teeth, and are ultimately a disposable item which makes them inadequate as a sustainable long-term solution. Extracted teeth do a much …


Conserved Chromatin Programs Orchestrate Cardiac Cell States In Health And Disease And Drive Cardiomyocyte Proliferation After Injury, Xiaoxiao Geng Jan 2026

Conserved Chromatin Programs Orchestrate Cardiac Cell States In Health And Disease And Drive Cardiomyocyte Proliferation After Injury, Xiaoxiao Geng

ETDs from 2020-2029

Chromatin structure is a central regulator of gene expression and cellular identity, yet the chromatin structural factors driving cardiac disease and regeneration remain incompletely defined. This dissertation investigates how modulation of chromatin architecture shapes pathological and regenerative cardiac phenotypes through integrated single-cell transcriptomic, epigenomic, and functional analyses. To determine whether chromatin structural regulators distinguish healthy from diseased cardiac states, we curated a comprehensive list of chromatin structural genes and applied it to single-nuclei RNA sequencing datasets from human hearts with and without dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Chromatin structural gene expression effectively stratified cardiomyocyte and fibroblast populations by disease status. Diseased cardiomyocytes …


Amino Acid Pet Tracers For Cancer Imaging And Response Assessment, Ugur Akca Jan 2026

Amino Acid Pet Tracers For Cancer Imaging And Response Assessment, Ugur Akca

ETDs from 2020-2029

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and high-grade glioma (HGG) pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their aggressive biology and the limitations of [¹⁸F]FDG PET, which suffers from nonspecific uptake in inflammatory tissues, complicating differentiation of viable tumor from treatment-related effects. Computed Tomography, while strong for structural changes, has limited soft tissue contrast for distinguishing tumor from inflammation, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, despite superior soft tissue resolution, struggles with differentiating active tumor from post-treatment changes like edema or necrosis due to nonspecific enhancement. These challenges highlight the necessity for complementary and advanced imaging strategies for improved diagnosis and monitoring. This …


Clinical Decision Support Using Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Yun-Chi Lin Jan 2026

Clinical Decision Support Using Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Yun-Chi Lin

ETDs from 2020-2029

Medical imaging plays a central role in modern clinical decision-making, yet its effective integration with artificial intelligence (AI) remains challenged by real-world clinical constraints. This dissertation investigates how medical imaging-based AI frameworks can be strategically designed to support clinical decision-making for two distinct but clinically critical scenarios: acute pandemic care and chronic neurodegenerative disease management. In acute pandemic settings, such as the COVID-19 crisis, healthcare systems face an urgent need for rapid risk stratification under conditions of data scarcity and operational stress including surges in patient volume and limited medical resources. This work explores strategies for developing deep learning models …


Investigating Stromal Cell-Mediated Biomechanics For Angiogenesis And Reperfusion In A 3d Microfluidic Model For Ischemic Vascular Disease, Vaishali Bala Jan 2026

Investigating Stromal Cell-Mediated Biomechanics For Angiogenesis And Reperfusion In A 3d Microfluidic Model For Ischemic Vascular Disease, Vaishali Bala

ETDs from 2020-2029

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions worldwide, causing tissue ischemia and impaired healing due to insufficient blood flow. Current therapeutic strategies to promote revascularization remain limited, largely because the mechanical regulation of angiogenesis is poorly understood. While biochemical growth factors like VEGF have been extensively studied, the role of mechanical forces generated by stromal cells in the perivascular matrix remains underexplored. This dissertation investigated how stromal cell contractility drives vascular growth through mechanotransduction pathways and modulation of endothelial cell-cell junctions. Using 3D fibrin or fibrin-collagen-I-based microtissues and compartmentalized microfluidic devices, we characterized the mechanical phenotypes of multiple fibroblast populations and …


Photocrosslinkable Morin-Loaded Gelatin-G-Gma Composite Hydrogel For Accelerating Burn Wound Healing: In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim Jan 2026

Photocrosslinkable Morin-Loaded Gelatin-G-Gma Composite Hydrogel For Accelerating Burn Wound Healing: In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

The impaired skin regeneration, scarring, and delayed healing make the management of burn injuries a challenging task. We designed a photopolymerized hydrogel of gelatin-grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) for burn management applications. Hydrogel was incorporated with Morin, a plant flavonoid that was originally isolated from the Moraceae family, with known anti-antioxidant and antifibrotic activities. The physicochemical characterization of the resultant hydrogel, including its gelation time and swelling properties, was conducted. The characterization results indicated that the hydrogel development was successful, exhibiting well-established porosity, as evidenced by the SEM images. In vivo evaluation demonstrated improved tissue regeneration characterized by enhanced collagen …


Design Concept For Low-Cost Management Of Early Medial Or Lateral Osteoarthritis, Charles F. Babbs Jan 2026

Design Concept For Low-Cost Management Of Early Medial Or Lateral Osteoarthritis, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Working Papers

Background: Asymmetrical joint space narrowing occurs in many cases of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of the present study is to elucidate the biomechanics of lateral wedges in shoes used to widen the medial joint space in predominantly medial OA, and the biomechanics of medial wedges in shoes used to widen the lateral joint space in predominantly lateral OA. Methods: Medial or lateral shift of the center of weight bearing of the foot is largely offset by movement of the flexible hip joint, which changes the tilt angle of the femoral head in the frontal plane. The altered tilt can …


Raw Data Files Contributing To "Changes In Apoe And Timp-1 Expression Correlate With Outer Blood-Retinal Barrier Disruption In An In Vitro Model Of Retinal Aging", Elizabeth Vargis Jan 2026

Raw Data Files Contributing To "Changes In Apoe And Timp-1 Expression Correlate With Outer Blood-Retinal Barrier Disruption In An In Vitro Model Of Retinal Aging", Elizabeth Vargis

Browse all Datasets

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, the early stages of this disease are poorly understood, which has led to limited treatment options. Investigating normal changes in tissues eventually affected by AMD can further elucidate the mechanisms of disease progression and lead to novel therapeutic targets. The primary cell layer affected in AMD is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Beneath the RPE lies Bruch’s membrane, a proteinaceous layer that naturally thickens and stiffens with age. These changes to Bruch’s membrane are also implicated in RPE dysfunction and AMD …


Polystyrene Nanoplastics As Pfas Carriers And Their Interactions With Zwitterionic Phospholipid Membranes, Jiahuiyu Fang, Tongxuan Qiao, Pranab Sarker, Xiaoxue Qin, Size Zheng, Mark J. Uline, Tao Wei Jan 2026

Polystyrene Nanoplastics As Pfas Carriers And Their Interactions With Zwitterionic Phospholipid Membranes, Jiahuiyu Fang, Tongxuan Qiao, Pranab Sarker, Xiaoxue Qin, Size Zheng, Mark J. Uline, Tao Wei

Faculty Publications

The co-occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and nanoplastics (NPs) poses a synergistic threat to environmental and human health, yet the molecular mechanisms governing PFAS–NP complexation and membrane interactions remain unclear. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the adsorption of neutral polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and anionic perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, PFOS) on polystyrene NPs (3.1 and 6.7 nm) and their interactions with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) membranes. Polystyrene NPs act as carriers, transporting PFAS molecules to the lipid/water interface, where PFAS attachment modifies NP interfacial behavior. PFAS adsorption on the NP surface is driven by …


Methods For Radiation-Sparing Navigation In Endovascular And Spine Surgery, William Ross Warner Jan 2026

Methods For Radiation-Sparing Navigation In Endovascular And Spine Surgery, William Ross Warner

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Modern surgical navigation systems improve procedural accuracy, limit complications, and can reduce reliance on intraoperative ionizing radiation, yet their adoption remains uneven across surgical domains. Informed by clinical immersion, this thesis identifies and addresses two unmet needs revealed through contrasting image-guidance practices in endovascular and spine surgery, where existing guidance techniques are costly, intermittent, or fundamentally limited. Specifically, these needs include (1) the absence of radiation-sparing navigation techniques for endovascular procedures, which rely heavily on 2D x-ray angiography, and (2) the need for dynamic registration methods in open spine surgery, where navigation accuracy can degrade after initial registration and intraoperative …


Volumetric Wear Analysis Of Polyethylene Orthopedic Liners Using Point Clouds, Gabriel Landi Jan 2026

Volumetric Wear Analysis Of Polyethylene Orthopedic Liners Using Point Clouds, Gabriel Landi

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

In vivo wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) orthopedic bearings represents a major problem in shoulder and knee arthroplasty, with significant amounts of devices failing due to the complication itself, and even more due to associated reasons for retrieval, including aseptic loosening. However, quantification of UHMWPE wear has largely been limited to linear and in vitro volumetric analyses, obscuring the understanding of the amount of clinically relevant material loss. This study proposes new methods to measure articular, rim, and backside surfaces of retrieved shoulder and knee UHMWPE liners, centered around the coordinate measuring machine (CMM)-based collection of high density …


Accuracy Of Glenohumeral Joint Center Of Rotation Estimates Using Traditional Motion Capture Versus Bi-Plane Fluoroscopy, Julia A. Dunn, Ola Alsaadi, Kevin Shelburne, Michelle B. Sabick Jan 2026

Accuracy Of Glenohumeral Joint Center Of Rotation Estimates Using Traditional Motion Capture Versus Bi-Plane Fluoroscopy, Julia A. Dunn, Ola Alsaadi, Kevin Shelburne, Michelle B. Sabick

Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Scholarship

Accurate estimation of the glenohumeral joint center of rotation is critical for biomechanical modeling of shoulder motion. This study evaluated the accuracy of three predictive methods for estimating glenohumeral joint center of rotation using optical motion capture, compared against a benchmark derived from synchronous bi-plane fluoroscopy. Five healthy adults performed shoulder abduction, flexion, and external rotation in 90° abducted and adducted positions. Root mean square error and axial errors were calculated across the full range of motion. Results showed that none of the predictive methods met clinically acceptable thresholds, with absolute error exceeding 10 mm and axial errors surpassing ±5 …


Enhancing Wound Healing With Synergistic Dual-Drug Electrospun Roflumilast And L-Arginine Loaded Pla/Pva Nanofibers Through Fabrication, Optimization, And In Vivo Assessment, Samar A. Salim Jan 2026

Enhancing Wound Healing With Synergistic Dual-Drug Electrospun Roflumilast And L-Arginine Loaded Pla/Pva Nanofibers Through Fabrication, Optimization, And In Vivo Assessment, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Current trends in improved wound management emphasize the development of dual-drug-loaded electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds. Herein, electrospun dual-drug loaded PLA/PVA nanofibrous scaffolds, incorporating roflumilast, a selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory activity, and L-arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide with stimulating activity towards wound healing and tissue regeneration, were developed. A dual-spinneret electrospinning process enabled the coloading of drugs in PLA and PVA phases. Scaffolds were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD, showing consistent fiber morphology, and amorphous drug formation. FTIR analysis was performed to confirm drug–polymer compatibility and successful incorporation of roflumilast and L-arginine within the PLA/ PVA nanofibrous matrix. Swelling …


Capturing Sclera Anisotropy Using Direct Collagen Fiber Models: Linking Microstructure To Macroscopic Mechanical Properties, Fengting Ji, Xuehuan He, Frederick Sebastian, Mohammad R. Islam, Hannah Schilpp, Bingrui Wang, Yi Hua, Rouzbeh Amini, Ian A. Sigal Jan 2026

Capturing Sclera Anisotropy Using Direct Collagen Fiber Models: Linking Microstructure To Macroscopic Mechanical Properties, Fengting Ji, Xuehuan He, Frederick Sebastian, Mohammad R. Islam, Hannah Schilpp, Bingrui Wang, Yi Hua, Rouzbeh Amini, Ian A. Sigal

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Collagen fibers are essential to the mechanical behavior of soft tissues, including sclera. Conventional models often represent these fibers statistically, potentially missing crucial aspects of their role in tissue behavior. In this study, we expand on a direct fiber modeling approach that we recently presented based on explicitly representing the sclera long, interwoven fiber bundles. Specifically, our goal was to capture specimen-specific 3D fiber architecture and anisotropic mechanics of four ovine sclera samples (superior from Eye-1, temporal and superior from Eye-2, and temporal from Eye-3), each tested under five conditions: equi-biaxial (1:1) and four non-equi-biaxial (1:0.75, 0.75:1, 1:0.5, and 0.5:1). …


Novel Repurposing Of Empagliflozin-Loaded Buccal Composite (Chitosan/Silk Fibroin/Poly(Lactic Acid)) Nanofibers For Alzheimer’S Disease Management Via Modulation Of Aβ–Ager–P-Tau Pathway, Samar A. Salim Jan 2026

Novel Repurposing Of Empagliflozin-Loaded Buccal Composite (Chitosan/Silk Fibroin/Poly(Lactic Acid)) Nanofibers For Alzheimer’S Disease Management Via Modulation Of Aβ–Ager–P-Tau Pathway, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Background/Objectives: Empagliflozin (EMPA) was repurposed for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment via buccal delivery, exploiting novel nanofibers (NFs) integrating chitosan (Cs), silk fibroin (Fb), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Methods: EMPA-loaded Cs/Fb/PLA NFs were electrospun in different formulations to optimize the formulation parameters. The optimized formulation was then investigated for its enhanced in vivo effect. Results: Optimized nanofiber diameters ranged from 459 ± 173 to 668 ± 148 nm, possessing bead-free morphology confirmed by SEM and satisfactory mechanical properties. EMPA was successfully well-dispersed in the polymer matrix as evidenced by FTIR, XRD, and drug content. The optimized NFs displayed a hydrophilic surface …


The Effects Of Low-Frequency, Low-Intensity Ultrasound On Gene Expression In Macrophage-Endothelial Cell Co-Culture, Evelyn Hergenhan Jan 2026

The Effects Of Low-Frequency, Low-Intensity Ultrasound On Gene Expression In Macrophage-Endothelial Cell Co-Culture, Evelyn Hergenhan

Honors Theses

Introduction

Low-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound (LFLI US) has been shown to be a promising treatment for noninvasive accelerated chronic wound healing. However, the biological mechanisms of this ultrasound-assisted healing are not yet understood, limiting clinical adoption. The objective of this study is to characterize the effects of LFLI US on gene expression in a simulated chronic wound environment to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying this therapeutic.

Methods

A simulated chronic wound environment consisting of endothelial cells and inflammatory M1 macrophages co-cultured in 3D was subject to LFLI US at 50, 100, or 150 mW/cm2 Spatial-Peak, Temporal-Peak …


Work In Progress: The Impact Of Classroom Interventions On Student Success And Retention In Electric Circuits, Cherian Mathews Jan 2026

Work In Progress: The Impact Of Classroom Interventions On Student Success And Retention In Electric Circuits, Cherian Mathews

All Faculty Articles - School of Engineering and Computer Science

University of the Pacific has embarked on a university-wide endeavor to improve student success and retention. This effort involves academic coaches being placed in each unit, early grade reporting in the fifth week of the semester, follow-ups by faculty advisors and academic coaches for struggling students, and documentation of interactions with such students in the university CRM system. These follow-ups with students typically involve conversations to explore factors contributing to poor performance (e.g., health issues, excessive work hours, study skills), suggesting approaches to improve performance, and making referrals to care teams and supplemental instruction. Despite all these efforts, DFW rates …