Cardiovascular System Commons^™

Development Of A Synthetic Biomarker System For Early Detection Of Myocardial Infarction, Kennedy Alexis Bietz

Honors Thesis

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer from the event of a heart attack, i.e., myocardial infarction (MI). Currently, the early detection of MI remains a challenge. We intend to solve the problem by constructing a synthetic biomarker system that would be able to recognize early warning signs of MI, such as cellular inflammation and oxidative stress. We have proposed two different pathology specific genetic sensors that act as artificial promoters to transcribe a peptide that can be secreted into the blood stream and eventually work its way into the urine and act as a reporter that can be detected through …

Spontaneous Distal Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm In A Young Male With Full Mutation Of The Fragile X Syndrome With A High-Functioning Phenotype: Illustrative Case, Eleni Papadopoulos, Anna Abrimian, Hekmat Zarzour, Randi J Hagerman, Richard F Schmidt

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder that typically presents with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Patients with FXS can present with signs and symptoms of connective tissue disorder (CTD) and occasionally with vascular disease. However, cerebrovascular disease is not well documented in these patients, and it is unknown whether there is a direct link between abnormal levels of fragile X protein (FMRP) and its mRNA.

OBSERVATIONS: Here, the authors present a rare case of an adult male with full mutation FXS of a high-functioning phenotype who presented with syncope, and on further evaluation, a fusiform dissecting aneurysm of the distal …

Maternal Health And Congenital Heart Defects: Investigating Ventricular Septal Defects In South Texas Region 11, Miguel A. Lopez, Sophia Moon, Jonathan M. Hebert, Padmanabhan Rengasamy

Research Symposium

Congenital heart defects are a known risk factor for early childhood mortality and can be traced to poor maternal health, a crisis plaguing the South Texas region. This perspective research project utilizes previously computed data on the prevalence of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in South Texas region 11 combined with a comprehensive literature review to investigate the correlation between both maternal obesity and diabetes with VSD. Current literature supports a significant association between maternal diabetes and VSD, with one Russian study reporting an eight to nine fold increased risk in VSD in children born to diabetic mothers. By contrast, the …

Effects Of Arginine-Vasopressin In The Brain On Cardiovascular Function In A Psychosocial Stress Animal Model, Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia, Ariana V. Hinojosa, Esperanza I. Alaniz, Fernando Dominguez, Giselle Padilla, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background: Psychosocial stress impacts cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of events like myocardial infarction (MI), stress cardiomyopathy, and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Anxiety. However, our understanding of the biological mechanisms that connect psychosocial stress with negative cardiovascular and psychological outcomes remains incomplete. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is linked to both mental and physical health by regulating social behavior, blood pressure, and anxiety-related behaviors. This study investigates the potential cardioprotective effects of the neuropeptide AVP, in an effort to generate evidence that it may strengthen heart function and lessen the severity of adverse cardiovascular events caused by stress, brain …

Exploring The Effects Of Serotonin And Ssris On The Neurological, Behavioral, And Cardiovascular Systems Under Induced Stress –Using The Animal Model Of The Syrian Hamster, Ariana V. Hinojosa, Esperanza I. Alaniz, Esmeralda Lopez-Garcia, Giselle Padilla, Fernando Dominquez, Mario Gil

Research Symposium

Background: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has been found to have a wide range of effects on not just the neuropsychological processes but has also been found to exert effects outside the central nervous system (CNS); regulating numerous biological processes, such as metabolism, gastrointestinal system, reproductive function, and even the cardiovascular system. However, there is still a limited understanding of how serotonin affects all these systems due to its complexity and ability to regulate homeostasis. This project aims to create a stronger foundation of knowledge about serotonin and its influence on the interaction between the CNS, behavior, and cardiac function …

Novel Device Therapies In Heart Failure: Focus On Patient Selection, Amrita Balgobind, Daniel Asemota, Emily Rodriguez, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Marat Fudim, Miguel Alvarez Villela

Einstein Health Papers

The increasing prevalence of heart failure (HF) has led to advancements in therapeutic strategies, including the development of new pharmacological treatments and the expansion of guideline recommendations across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fractions. Despite these advancements, the full benefits of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) are often limited by various barriers that result in incomplete implementation or suboptimal responses. For patients who cannot tolerate or only partially respond to GDMT, therapeutic options remain limited. This gap is particularly significant for those with contraindications to heart replacement therapies (HRT), such as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplant. In …

High-Output Cardiac Failure Caused By Large Coronary Artery Fistulas Treated With Coil Embolization, Nawal Mustafa, Blain Tafaesse, Hajra Nadeem, Muhammad Mustafa

The VAD Journal

There are many causes of high-output cardiac failure. We present a unique case of high-output cardiac failure caused by multiple coronary-to-pulmonary artery (PA) fistulas, which, to our knowledge, is a rare finding that has not been previously researched. The purpose of our case report is to highlight the importance of considering coronary-to-PA fistulas in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with high-output cardiac failure. Our patient presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath and underwent nuclear stress testing, which, through cardiac catheterization, revealed coronary-to-PA fistulas as the cause of the high-output cardiac failure. These fistulas were successfully treated …

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A Comprehensive Review, Taha Shaikh, Darren Nguyen, Jasmine Dugal, Michael Dicaro, Brianna Yee, Nazanin Houshmand, Kachon Lei, Ali Namazi

Department of Internal Medicine Faculty Research

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is characterized by structural abnormalities, arrhythmias, and a spectrum of genetic and clinical manifestations. Clinically, ARVC is structurally distinguished by right ventricular dilation due to increased adiposity and fibrosis in the ventricular walls, and it manifests as cardiac arrhythmias ranging from non-sustained ventricular tachycardia to sudden cardiac death. Its prevalence has been estimated to range from 1 in every 1000 to 5000 people, with its large range being attributed to the variability in genetic penetrance from asymptomatic to significant burden. It is even suggested that the prevalence is underestimated, as the presence of genotypic mutations …

Atherosclerosis: A Comprehensive Review Of Molecular Factors And Mechanisms, Vasiliki Tasouli-Drakou, Ian Ogurek, Taha Shaikh, Marc Ringor, Michael V. Dicaro, Kachon Lei

Department of Internal Medicine Faculty Research

Atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of lipids and a culprit behind cardiovascular events, has long been studied. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in interest in its initiation, with researchers shifting focus from traditional pathways involving the vascular infiltration of oxidized lipids and towards the novel presence of chronic inflammatory pathways. The accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in combination with the activation of transcription factors, creates a positive feedback loop that drives the creation and progression of atherosclerosis. From the upregulation of the nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the Notch and Wnt pathways to …

Aortoduodenal Syndrome: A Rare Case Of Duodenal Obstruction Due To Endovascular Aneurysm Endoleak., Raksha Adhikari, Parth Patel, Christopher Tait

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Aortoduodenal syndrome results from expansion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, leading to symptoms of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Endovascular aneurysm repair of large or symptomatic aortic aneurysms has become an important treatment modality for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, a large proportion of these grafts are complicated by endoleaks that can lead to a spectrum of significant symptoms. We present a case of rapidly worsening gastrointestinal obstructive symptoms in a patient with an already repaired aortic stent graft and a solitary kidney, found to be due to a type III endoleak that improved after emergent repeat endovascular aneurysm repair.

Social Jetlag Alters Markers Of Exercise-Induced Mitochondrial Adaptations In The Heart, Michael B. Dial, Elias M. Malek, Austin R. Cooper, Greco A. Neblina, Nikoleta I. Vasileva, Graham Mcginnis

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Social jetlag (SJL) represents the behavioral misalignment of sleep and wake times on work days and free days, and potently disrupts the circadian rhythm. SJL affects up to 70% of the population worldwide and is associated with increased risk for many cardiometabolic diseases. Animal models of acute SJL have shown disruption in locomotor activity and expression of clock genes in select tissues, its impact on the heart remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged SJL (6 weeks), on activity rhythms, and the impact on exercise-induced adaptations in the heart. Male mice (n …

Delayed Hypertension Diagnosis And Its Association With Cardiovascular Treatment And Outcomes, Yuan Lu, John E. Brush Jr, Chungsoo Kim, Yuntian Liu, Xin Xin, Chenxi Huang, Mitsuaki Sawano, Patrick Young, Jacob Mcpadden, Mark Anderson, John S. Burrows, Jordan R. Asher, Harlan M. Krumholz

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Importance Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet delays in diagnosis may limit timely treatment initiation and increase cardiovascular risk.

Objectives To examine the timing of clinical hypertension diagnosis, its association with antihypertensive medication prescribing, and its association with long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health record (EHR) data from an integrated health care system. Adults aged 18 to 85 years with at least 2 outpatient blood pressure (BP) readings of 140/90 mm Hg or more recorded at least 30 days apart from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021, …

Late Diagnosis Of Klinefelter Syndrome: Overcoming Phenotypic Variability And Diagnostic Oversights, Amna Kamran, Chinelo Okigbo

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

We report a case of Klinefelter syndrome (KS) diagnosed in adulthood, emphasizing the impact of phenotypic variability and the declining reliance on physical examination in delayed recognition. A 27-year-old male with obesity, low libido, and biochemical and clinical primary hypogonadism was found to have 47, XXY karyotype, consistent with KS. His hypogonadism was initially attributed to obesity and overlooked, despite classic signs of a micropenis and small testes. The case highlights the importance of physical examination, comprehensive history, and clinician awareness in diagnosing KS, particularly in atypical presentations. KS is associated with increased risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and psychosocial …

The Effect Of Inelastic Compression Wraps On The Quality Of Life Of People With Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Single-Center, Single-Arm Prospective Study, Abby Hargis Smits, Marita Yaghi, Narges Maskan Bermudez, Hadar Lev-Tov

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: First line therapy for all manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is compression. However, patients frequently report dissatisfaction with compression stockings. Therefore, there is a need to find alternative therapeutic options that can promote compliance. Here, we investigate the impact of the novel, inelastic compression wrap device on quality of life (QoL) in patients with CVI who have failed therapy with compression stockings in the past. Methods: We conducted a six-week, open-label, single-center, non-blinded, prospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was the change in QoL over 6 weeks as measured by the Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire …

Left Ventricular Assist Device Destination Therapy: A Journey To Home And Beyond, Mian Z. Munir, Marissa C. Galicia-Castillo, Mia Achitoov, Amin Yehya

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

[Case] Mr H is a 74-year-old man with history of end-stage heart failure (ESHF) secondary to hereditary transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. Our patient underwent placement of a HeartMate II (Abbott) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy (DT) at an outside hospital and later came to us (Sentara Heart Hospital) for continued management because he resided in the area. Over a 2-year period, the patient experienced multiple hospital admissions for acute heart failure (HF) exacerbations, delirium, and recurrent low-flow alarms. During his last hospitalization, the palliative medicine team was consulted to facilitate goals-of-care discussions with the patient and his family, …

Oral Anticoagulation Versus No Anticoagulation After Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhage In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Prathik Saravanan, Vaibhav Vats, Abouchita Rimane, Shrishti Agarwal, Srinidhi Kondepudi, Mathew Reji, Batoul Taqi, Naser Ashraf Tadvi, Preeti Elizabeth Jossy, Anjana Kumaram Kunnel Sabu, Asma's Munasar Ali Alsubari, Ranjit Sah, Hira Sarfraz, Muhammad Usman Khan, Abdullah Wahab Arif

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

The decision to resume oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remains a significant clinical challenge due to competing risks of ischemic stroke and recurrent bleeding. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing long-term OAC with no OAC in patients with AF following an ICH. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov through September 2025. The primary outcomes were ischemic stroke and ICH. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), major bleeding, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were …

Role Of Device Therapy In Complementing Contemporary Medical Management, Yoel Benarroch, Natalie Tapaskar, Amin Yehya

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by signs and symptoms resulting from any structural or functional deficiency of ventricular filling or blood ejection. The mainstay of initial treatment remains lifestyle modifications, guideline-directed medical therapy, and addressing contributing factors. However, the past two decades have come with significant advances in device therapies to improve morbidity and mortality in HF despite evidence-based management as above. Given the rapidly evolving area of HF research and therapeutic development, it is important for clinicians to be familiar with novel therapies and how they can complement medical management. In this review we discuss the …

Fibrinolysis For Apical Thrombus As A Bridge To Emergent Valve-In-Valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Nicholas J. Valle, Omar A. Saleh, Mani C. Akunuri, Parth K. Parikh, Joshua A. Cohen, Deepak R. Talreja, Matthew R. Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background

Left ventricular (LV) thrombus is traditionally a contraindication to transcatheter aortic valve replacement due to embolic risk. Consequently, management of valvular cardiogenic shock complicated by LV thrombus identifies unique challenges that require innovative strategies.

Case Summary

A 58-year-old woman with critical bioprosthetic aortic stenosis, cardiogenic shock, and large LV thrombus (2.8 × 2.6 cm) underwent successful valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement after systemic fibrinolysis bridge therapy.

Why Beyond the Guidelines

Current guidelines contraindicate transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with LV thrombus. This case demonstrates the novel use of low-dose, slow infusion tissue plasminogen activator as a bridge therapy …

Prevalence Of Electrocardiographic Changes And Risk Factors For Qtc Prolongation Among Steady State Sickle Cell Disease Patients: Cooperative Study Of Sickle Cell Disease, Mohammed B. Nawaiseh, Rund R. Haddadin, Yara B. Nawaiseh, Mohammad Z. Salameh, Abdallah A. Shurman, Osama Abu-Shawer, Asma I. Aljesrawi, Ibrahim A. Abuelbeh, Allaa Roto, Hadil Zureigat, Lana Mango, Munir Q. Zaqqa, Hanna K. Al-Makhamreh, Nakhleh Abu-Yaghi

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with several cardiovascular adverse events. Corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation is one of the potential life-threatening complications that predispose patients to sudden cardiac death. This study aims to assess the prevalence of electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and to investigate risk factors associated with increased propensity of QTc prolongation. Methods: This study utilized data from the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease Cardiac Ancillary Study. QT intervals were corrected using the Bazett formula, and prolongation was defined using sex-specific thresholds. The study population included African American patients with steady-state SCD across four clinical centers located …

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Are Less Frequent In Psoriasis Patients Starting Glp-1ra Compared To Controls: An Observable Retrospective Cohort Study, Ana Ormaza Vera, Marla F. Osorlo, Madison Olexson, June Choi, Chunghwan Ro, Clinton Enos

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

Background: Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We have previously shown that psoriasis patients with dyslipidemia have an increased incidence of MACE despite treatment with a biologic and a statin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have shown to reduce MACE in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, comorbidities that commonly co-occur with psoriasis. However, the association between GLP-1RA and the incidence of MACE among patients with psoriasis remains unknown.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2014-2024 using a large, multi-center, electronic health record network (TriNetX). Patients aged 18-90 who started GLP-1RA …

Percutaneous Closure Of A Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Using A Post-Infarct Vsd Device Guided By Intracardiac Echocardiography, Omar Jafar, Nicholas Valle, Rupinder Bahniwal, Matthew Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) is a rare, life-threatening complication that may arise after cardiac surgery, myocardial infarctions, or infective endocarditis. We present a case of a 55-year-old woman with complex surgical history and prior infective endocarditis who developed an incidental LVPA. Due to lack of surgical repair options, a percutaneous approach was pursued using a post-infarct ventricular septal defect device (PIVSD) under guidance of fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance with successful exclusion of LVPA. This case highlights the utility of multimodal imaging in the percutaneous management of complex left ventricular lesions.

Pregnant Adults' Interest In Physical And Mental Health Behavior Change Interventions Using Mobile Technology, Natalie M. Yarish, Cassidy M. Sandoval, Alicia Moulder, Meredith I. Turner, Danielle Symons Downs, Kristin E. Heron

Psychology Faculty Publications

Improving the health and well-being of pregnant adults is an important public health priority in the USA, and mobile health (mHealth) interventions may provide a scalable strategy to disseminate behavior change programs to pregnant adults. This study assessed pregnant people’s use of mobile technology, interest in making health behavior changes during and after pregnancy, and their willingness to use mHealth interventions. Participants were 133 pregnant adults (M_age = 27.86; 81% White) living across the USA recruited from social media to complete an online survey. Measures assessed mobile technology use and beliefs about improving mental/physical health in pregnancy and postpartum …

An Analytical Model Of Motion Artifacts In A Measured Arterial Pulse Signal—Part Ii: Tactile Sensors, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Subodh Toraskar, Mamun Hasan, Zhili Hao

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper, the second of two parts, presents an analytical model of motion artifacts (MA) in measured pulse signals by a tactile sensor, which contains a deformable microstructure sitting on a substrate. While the tissue-contact-sensor (TCS) stack and the sensor are both treated as a 1DOF (degree-of-freedom) system, tissue–sensor contact joins their mass together to form a 1DOF system with springs and dampers on both sides. MA on the sensor substrate causes baseline drift and time-varying system parameters (TVSP) of the TCS stack simultaneously. An analytical model is developed to mathematically relate baseline drift and TVSP to a measured pulse …

Body Composition In Patients With Obesity-Related Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Comparison Study, Hannah Salmons, Syed Imran Ahmed, Hayley E. Billingsley, Alex Reavey-Cantwell, Roshanak Markley, Michele Golino, Marco Giuseppe Del Buono, Juan Ignacio Damonte, Sebastian Pinel, R. Lee Franco, Antonio Abbate, Carrie P. Earthman, Salvatore Carbone

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Background

Appendicular lean mass index is a major determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Moreover, appendicular lean mass index can be used to diagnose sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in this population. We aimed to validate the ability of segmental single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (SF-BIA) to assess body composition compared with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in patients with HFpEF and obesity, with a focus on appendicular lean mass index for its critical role in diagnosing sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity.

Methods

We analyzed 62 euvolemic patients from a heart failure outpatient clinic with …

Association Between Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes And Awareness Of Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Numom2b-Hhs Secondary Analysis, Elizabeth M. Wendl, Amanda A. Allshouse, Ashley Goodwin, Bri Hobbs, Philip Greenland, Lisa Levine, William Grobman, George R. Saade, Natalie Cameron, C. Noel Bairey Merz, Caroline Rouse, Sarah Rogan, Judith H. Chung, Lauren H. Theilen, National Heart, Lung, And Blood Institute Numom2b Heart Health Study Network

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Background

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) affect 10%-20% of pregnancies and are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Objective

To determine whether the history of APO is associated with a person's awareness of their cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) 2-7 years postpartum.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort study in which nulliparous pregnant people were enrolled in the first trimester and followed prospectively. Participants with a CRF (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and/or prediabetes/diabetes) at follow-up were included. We excluded participants with: pre-gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, dyslipidemia during the index pregnancy or subsequent pregnancy, and non-fasting blood draws. The exposure …

Reliability Of Popliteal Artery Flow-Mediated Dilation In The Seated Position, Taskina Akhter, Patrick B. Wilson, J. David Branch, Leryn J. Reynolds

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a noninvasive measure of endothelial function, is commonly measured in the popliteal artery in the supine and upright body positions. However, reliability studies of the measurement in these positions are not well studied. This study aimed to examine the trial-retrial and visit-to-visit reliability of popliteal artery FMD in the seated position. Popliteal artery FMD was measured in 20 healthy adults across two visits in the seated and prone positions to assess visit-to-visit reliability. Two measurements were taken for each body position at each visit to assess trial-retrial reliability. %FMD was calculated as the percent change from baseline …

Impacts Of Physical Inactivity Models On Endothelial Function: A Systematic Review, Joel E. Harden, J. David Branch, Leryn J. Reynolds

Exercise Science Faculty Publications

Background

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular disease and cardiac events. Numerous studies demonstrate that a reduction in physical activity/exercise levels are associated with poor endothelial function. Yet, these studies use a plethora of models to mimic reduced activity levels which may have widely different results on endothelial function. It is pertinent to collectively review these articles to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of reduced activity on vascular health, as endothelial function is one of many factors that influences vascular tone.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and synthesize the current literature regarding the …

Motion Artifacts (Ma) At-Rest In Measured Arterial Pulse Signals: Time-Varying Amplitude In Each Harmonic And Non-Flat Harmonic-Ma Coupled Baseline, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Mamun Hasan, Zhili Hao

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Motion artifacts (MA) cause great variability in a measured arterial pulse signal, and treatment of MA solely as a baseline drift (BD) fails to eliminate its effect on the measured signal. This paper presents a study on the effect of MA at rest (< 0.7 Hz) on measured arterial pulse signals using a microfluidic-based tactile sensor. By taking full account of the dynamic behavior of the transmission path from the true pulse signal in an artery to a measured pulse signal at the sensor, the tissue-contact-sensor (TCS) stack, an analytical model of MA in a measured pulse signal is developed. In this model, the TCS stack is treated as a 1DOF system for its dynamic behavior; MA is quantified as the displacement (i.e., BD) and time-varying system parameters (TVSP) of the TCS stack. The mathematical expression of MA in a measured pulse signal reveals that while BD remains as low-frequency additive noise, TVSP causes time-varying harmonics in a measured pulse signal. Further time-frequency analysis (TFA) of measured pulse signals validates the existence of TVSP and, for the first time, reveals its effect on a measured pulse signal: time-varying amplitude in each harmonic and non-flat harmonic-MA-coupled baseline.

Psychophysiological Tools & Techniques To Predict Perceptual Motor Task Outcomes, Bobby Gerald Rawls Iii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The process of perceiving environmental information, analyzing it, formulating a plan of action, and carrying out said plan is vital to our day to day lives. This loop occurs for every motor task we perform, from actions as simple as elbow flexion to as complex as performing surgery. As such, it is imperative to understand what physiological, psychological, and neurocognitive factors most dictate success or failure in the motor performance loop.

Prior research has shown that measures from each of these facets have strong relationships with motor performance outcomes, though these findings tended to rely on artificially produced stress in …

The Central Role For Troponin C Amino-Terminal ⍺-Helix In Vertebrate Thin Filiment Ca²⁺-Activation, Yun Shi, Lauren A. Blackwell, Ryan K. Schroy, B. Max Cleland, Cristina M. Risi, Michelle S. Parvatiyar, Jose R. Pinto, Vitold E. Galkin, P. Bryant Chase

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Troponin C (TnC) is the Ca²⁺-sensing subunit of troponin that is responsible for activating thin filaments in striated muscle, and, in turn, for regulating the systolic and diastolic contractile function of cardiac muscle. The secondary structure of vertebrate TnC is mainly composed of α-helices, with nine helices named sequentially, starting from the amino terminus, from N to A–H. The N-helix is a 12-residue-long α-helix located at the extreme amino terminus of the protein and is the only helical structure that does not participate in forming Ca²⁺-binding EF-hands. Evolutionarily, the N-helix is found only in TnC from mammalian species and most …