November 2024 - Bmegradstudents-list

[Bmeroundtable-list] BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Laura Nunez (A. Buganza, advisor)
by May, Sandra M 06 Nov '24

06 Nov '24

BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Laura Nunez (A. Buganza, advisor) Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 9:30 am. Title: A Multiscale Approach to Understanding Tissue Expansion-Induced Changes in Skin Mechanics and Cellular Behavior Date: Nov 18th Time: 9:30 am Location: ABE 1164 Committee members: Dr. Adrian Buganza (major professor), Dr. Luis Solorio, Dr. Marcial Gonzalez, Dr. Deva Chan Abstract: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women in the US. Approximately 35% of patients opt for or are advised to undergo a mastectomy. After removal, patients can undergo Breast Reconstruction Surgery (BRS), mostly done with Tissue Expansion (TE). TE complications include necrosis, excessive asymmetry, and capsular contraction, as TE is alternated with Radiotherapy (RT). Unfortunately, little is known about the cellular processes that drive those changes and the combined effect of TE and RT on skin tissue and cells. The present study aims to quantify tissue changes, such as skin stiffness, through biaxial testing, collagen architecture changes through histology analysis, and cellular changes through protein quantification. Collected and reported data will feed a TE multiscale model to predict growth and inform BRS protocols. We will use a porcine model with applied TE and RT for mechanical testing and histology analysis. From this model, we will quantify the cellular expression of mechanoresponsive proteins such as YAP and TE-induced area growth. Moreover, we will create a 3D culture that mimics the cell environment under TE and RT to translate our results to the human case. This 3D model will have dermis-like fibrillar hydrogels and human skin cells. We will quantify protein expression, growth, and mechanical properties, as done in the animal model. We expect the nuclear YAP activation, collagen production, and proliferative activity to increase with stretching time. We also expect the hydrogel stiffness to correlate with fiber network changes. We will describe the multiscale TE dynamics with a cell signaling model linked to a tissue physical model. This study will provide a multiscale characterization of the skin tissue and cellular activity when they undergo TE. Our results will help elucidate critical factors in the BRS process that will help design better protocols to diminish adverse effects. -- Bmeroundtable-list mailing list Bmeroundtable-list(a)ecn.purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/mailman/listinfo/bmeroundtable-list

1 0

[Bmeroundtable-list] BME BEATS - Starting December 4th!
by Gelfand, Johanna K 05 Nov '24

05 Nov '24

[cid:image001.jpg@01DB2F87.B62B8F00] On behalf of Dean Arvind Raman, I would like to invite you to participate in a new initiative celebrating the creative talents of our Purdue Engineering community - Developing a Thriving Community Through Celebrating Creative Talents. This initiative aims to celebrate and amplify the voices, creativity, and stories within our engineering community. This project brings together students, faculty, and staff through shared musical experiences, offering an inclusive and inspiring platform for expression and connection. Here in BME we will be presenting live performances in MJIS occurring throughout the year. From solo acts to ensembles, vocal, instrumental... anything you can think of... we hope to explore a diverse range of music and share it with our BME community. Do you play thumb drums? Accordion? Play in a string quartet? Sing? Dance to music? How about putting together a kazoo ensemble? The sky's the limit, and performances are short. Our first event will take place outside of MJIS 1001 between 9:15 and 9:30 on Wednesday, December 4th, right before our distinguished research seminar. Plan on coming to see a sample of what it's all about. Next steps: If you are interested in performing, please complete this quick survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4O7cUP4tMM2sF8y<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca…> We will reach out to those who complete the survey in the near future with additional details. Jo Gelfand Intra/Extramural Relations Administrator Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032 765-494-2996 jo(a)purdue.edu<mailto:jo@purdue.edu> [cid:image002.jpg@01DB2F87.B62B8F00] -- Bmeroundtable-list mailing list Bmeroundtable-list(a)ecn.purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/mailman/listinfo/bmeroundtable-list

1 0

FW: Opportunity for grad students/postdocs interested in teaching careers
by Gelfand, Johanna K 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

(Forwarded on behalf of Prof. Elsje Pienaar) Could you please forward this opportunity to our grad student and postdoc lists? https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/details/Assistant-…<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnortheast…> Thanks a lot! Elsje Elsje Pienaar, PhD She/Her/Hers Associate Professor Director of Undergraduate Programs Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Purdue University

1 0

[Bmeroundtable-list] BME 3rd Year PhD Seminar Series: Friday 11-8
by Rowen, Elizabeth Pearl 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

[cid:image001.jpg@01DB05C3.B4BD0650] BME 3rd Year Seminar Series Friday, November 8th, 2024 1:30 - 2:30 PM EST MJIS 1001 Evaluation links: Alexander Donabedian: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kPRBEQ9RLT9WXI<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca…> Jee Hyun Park: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24T8XAvaQCb4fqe<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca…> Evaluation surveys should only be completed after the seminar has taken place, and only by those who attended the seminar. We appreciate those who are able to attend and provide feedback; These surveys will help us determine the recipient of the 2024 Fearnot Prize for the best presentation! Sensitivity of Finite Element Models to Relationship Between T2 Relaxation and Modulus in Articular Cartilage Alex Donabedian (Deva Chan, advisor) [cid:image005.png@01DB2E97.82B71EA0] Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disease that continues to prevail among the US population. Without a true noninvasive cure, total joint replacement surgery is a likely outcome that is costly for the healthcare system and individual. To shift treatment towards prevention and away from palliation, computational models can be a tool to study articular cartilage at risk of degradation, a hallmark sign of OA progression, before reaching severe disease states. Due to the complex microstructure of articular cartilage, generalized models cannot reliably provide subject-specific information about the underlying tissue. Finite element (FE) models can be tailored to the patient with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) providing an individualized risk assessment. MRI-informed models exist today; however, very few of them address the spatially varying properties of articular cartilage hindering their accuracy. Here, we use MRI to inform an FE model of articular cartilage where the stiffness varies spatially. We employ an established linear relationship between MRI T2 relaxation and the dynamic modulus of articular cartilage to inform the stiffness of each element within our model. Due to the inter- and intra-material variability of cartilage, we alter this relationship by (1) shifting the dynamic modulus range while maintaining the same slope relationship to T2 and (2) altering the slope relationship to assess the change in the computed outputs. Additionally, computed areas of high stress and strain will be compared with regional cartilage health data to assess the model's potential to predict regional degradation. Tailoring the model's material properties to the patient suggests an improved individual risk assessment of developing OA compared to generalized models. APOE4 Mouse to Human Alzheimer's Disease Translational Modeling Reveals Therapeutic Perturbagen Signature Associations Jee Hyun Park (Douglas Brubaker, advisor) [cid:image002.jpg@01DB2E97.E0F65120] Abstract: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) impacts the brain by hindering behavior and cognitive function. Coupled with tau tangles and amyloid plaque, increased synapse and neuron death are features in AD patients. Numerous aspects, such as age and genetics, specifically apolipoprotein E e4 (APOE4), increase susceptibility to AD development. APOE is a carrier of lipids in the brain. There is a heightened risk of AD by expressing the APOE e4 allele due to increased levels of plaque aggregates compared to e3 carriers with dysfunctional lipid metabolism. However, how APOE4 aggravates AD has not been fully characterized. In addition, insufficient effective human therapies from mice studies and drug screenings are a challenge due to models not fully encompassing AD pathology. Thus, we used a cross-species translational model by integrating APOE4 knock-in mouse and human gene expression with demographic and clinical factors to predict human AD states. Our model determined axon guidance downregulation in AD and inflammatory pathways upregulated in AD. We also performed a Spearman correlation to identify gene signatures of drugs that resemble or reverse AD features based on mouse principal components predictive of AD. We discovered drugs used for diabetes treatment to resemble the control signatures. Our study revealed biological mechanisms dysregulated by APOE4 in mice that could be potential therapeutic targets for treating AD in humans. Future work will validate results with human datasets carrying the APOE4 allele. Liz Rowen She/Her Graduate Program Assistant Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Martin C. Jischke Hall of Biomedical Engineering 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032 o: 765-494-1197 [7054E290]<https://www.purdue.edu/?utm_source=signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=…> -- Bmeroundtable-list mailing list Bmeroundtable-list(a)ecn.purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/mailman/listinfo/bmeroundtable-list

1 0

[Bmeroundtable-list] BME 3rd Year PhD Seminar Series: Friday 11-8
by Rowen, Elizabeth Pearl 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

[cid:image001.jpg@01DB05C3.B4BD0650] BME 3rd Year Seminar Series Friday, November 8th, 2024 1:30 - 2:30 PM EST MJIS 1001 Evaluation links: Alexander Donabedian: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kPRBEQ9RLT9WXI<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca…> Jee Hyun Park: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24T8XAvaQCb4fqe<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca…> Evaluation surveys should only be completed after the seminar has taken place, and only by those who attended the seminar. We appreciate those who are able to attend and provide feedback; These surveys will help us determine the recipient of the 2024 Fearnot Prize for the best presentation! Sensitivity of Finite Element Models to Relationship Between T2 Relaxation and Modulus in Articular Cartilage Alex Donabedian (Deva Chan/Craig Goergen, advisors) [cid:image005.png@01DB2E97.82B71EA0] Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling joint disease that continues to prevail among the US population. Without a true noninvasive cure, total joint replacement surgery is a likely outcome that is costly for the healthcare system and individual. To shift treatment towards prevention and away from palliation, computational models can be a tool to study articular cartilage at risk of degradation, a hallmark sign of OA progression, before reaching severe disease states. Due to the complex microstructure of articular cartilage, generalized models cannot reliably provide subject-specific information about the underlying tissue. Finite element (FE) models can be tailored to the patient with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) providing an individualized risk assessment. MRI-informed models exist today; however, very few of them address the spatially varying properties of articular cartilage hindering their accuracy. Here, we use MRI to inform an FE model of articular cartilage where the stiffness varies spatially. We employ an established linear relationship between MRI T2 relaxation and the dynamic modulus of articular cartilage to inform the stiffness of each element within our model. Due to the inter- and intra-material variability of cartilage, we alter this relationship by (1) shifting the dynamic modulus range while maintaining the same slope relationship to T2 and (2) altering the slope relationship to assess the change in the computed outputs. Additionally, computed areas of high stress and strain will be compared with regional cartilage health data to assess the model's potential to predict regional degradation. Tailoring the model's material properties to the patient suggests an improved individual risk assessment of developing OA compared to generalized models. APOE4 Mouse to Human Alzheimer's Disease Translational Modeling Reveals Therapeutic Perturbagen Signature Associations Jee Hyun Park (Douglas Brubaker, advisor) [cid:image002.jpg@01DB2E97.E0F65120] Abstract: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) impacts the brain by hindering behavior and cognitive function. Coupled with tau tangles and amyloid plaque, increased synapse and neuron death are features in AD patients. Numerous aspects, such as age and genetics, specifically apolipoprotein E e4 (APOE4), increase susceptibility to AD development. APOE is a carrier of lipids in the brain. There is a heightened risk of AD by expressing the APOE e4 allele due to increased levels of plaque aggregates compared to e3 carriers with dysfunctional lipid metabolism. However, how APOE4 aggravates AD has not been fully characterized. In addition, insufficient effective human therapies from mice studies and drug screenings are a challenge due to models not fully encompassing AD pathology. Thus, we used a cross-species translational model by integrating APOE4 knock-in mouse and human gene expression with demographic and clinical factors to predict human AD states. Our model determined axon guidance downregulation in AD and inflammatory pathways upregulated in AD. We also performed a Spearman correlation to identify gene signatures of drugs that resemble or reverse AD features based on mouse principal components predictive of AD. We discovered drugs used for diabetes treatment to resemble the control signatures. Our study revealed biological mechanisms dysregulated by APOE4 in mice that could be potential therapeutic targets for treating AD in humans. Future work will validate results with human datasets carrying the APOE4 allele. Liz Rowen She/Her Graduate Program Assistant Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Martin C. Jischke Hall of Biomedical Engineering 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032 o: 765-494-1197 [7054E290]<https://www.purdue.edu/?utm_source=signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=…> -- Bmeroundtable-list mailing list Bmeroundtable-list(a)ecn.purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/mailman/listinfo/bmeroundtable-list

1 0

[Bmeroundtable-list] BME 3rd year PhD Seminar Series: Friday 11-1
by Rowen, Elizabeth Pearl 01 Nov '24

01 Nov '24

[cid:image001.jpg@01DB05C3.B4BD0650] BME 3rd Year Seminar Series Friday, November 1st, 2024 1:30 - 2:30 PM EST MJIS 1001 Evaluation links: Md Foysal Rabbi: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0xgocn3ljAGc99k<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca…> Madhurima Patra: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8Bo7knZ2GnvYvdk<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue.ca…> Evaluation surveys should only be completed after the seminar has taken place, and only by those who attended the seminar. Title: Roles of Catch-Slip Bond Dynamics at the Cytoskeleton, Cell, and Tissue Levels Md Foysal Rabbi (Taeyoon Kim, advisor) [cid:image003.jpg@01DB2B9B.07EB0690] Abstract: Cytoskeletal networks, composed of actin filaments (F-actins) interconnected by actin crosslinking proteins (ACPs), play a crucial role in cellular scaffolding and numerous physiological processes. Most ACPs in the cytoskeleton dissociate from F-actins as either catch or slip bonds, resulting in a highly adaptive and transient network capable of exhibiting structural remodeling and distinct mechanical responses. Unlike slip bonds, which weaken under tension, catch bonds strengthen and increase their lifetime under tension. Interestingly, some ACPs, such as α-actinin, can switch between these behaviors in a tension-dependent manner, functioning as catch-slip bonds. Despite prior studies showing that networks with catch-slip bonds exhibit greater mechanical strength than those with slip bonds, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, using computational models, we investigated the importance of catch-slip bond dynamics at cytoskeletal, cellular, and tissue levels. First, we studied how network connectivity and the force-dependent behavior of ACPs affect network strength. We found that ACPs with the nature of catch-slip bonds are redistributed toward high-force regions, reinforcing the network, whereas ACPs with the nature of slip bonds move toward low-force regions, leading to weaker networks. Second, we demonstrated that catch-slip-bond ACPs enhance the contractile force generated by myosin motors and propagate forces over longer distances than slip-bond ACPs. This force propagation was influenced by the size and number of myosin motors; fewer and longer motors allowed networks with catch-slip-bond ACPs to withstand higher forces. Finally, we explore how catch bonds impact interactions between cells and extracellular matrices, which is essential for matrix remodeling and cell migration. Our findings provide critical insights into understanding the multi-scale roles of catch-slip bonds in biological systems, revealing how their dynamics contribute to mechanical stability, force transmission, and cellular behaviors at the cytoskeletal, cellular, and tissue levels. Neural Correlates of Spectro-Temporal Modulation Detection: Insights from Cross-Species EEG studies Madhurima Patra (Michael Heinz, advisor) [cid:image002.jpg@01DB2B9B.4574A840] Abstract: Although listeners with sensorineural hearing loss often communicate well in quiet, they typically struggle to understand speech in noisy environments (e.g., restaurants). Natural sounds exhibit spectro-temporal variations in intensity that fluctuate simultaneously across both time and frequency domains. Selective tuning to specific spectro-temporal modulations (STMs) enhances our understanding of naturalistic sounds, and preservation of these modulations across frequency channels is essential for speech intelligibility in noise. Studying limitations of missing perceptual information is particularly important for aging populations and hearing-aid recipients. Recent studies suggest STM stimuli can provide a reliable non-language-specific predictor for speech-in-noise intelligibility, which is the basis for a recent commercial clinical test. However, the mechanistic basis for this predictive power is unknown. Our work focuses on using STM stimuli composed of dynamically modified parameters in the stimulus space for studying behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) signatures responsible for perceptual differences across both populations. To gain mechanistic insights, animal models (specifically chinchilla lanigera) have served as indispensable pre-clinical tools to explore auditory functions at cellular and sub-cortical levels, with experimentally controlled hearing-loss conditions. Recent development of a multi-channel mini-EEG cap used with chinchillas in a light-sedation protocol has facilitated acquiring reliable cortical responses. Leveraging this and utilizing a stimulus paradigm similar to ones used for human behavior and EEG experiments will equip us with an informative dataset to foster a comprehensive understanding of the divergent aspects of auditory processing mechanisms across both species. Preliminary data suggest variations in STM characteristics are differentially represented across various EEG frequency bands. Notably, transitions between low and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) stimulus blocks are encoded more efficiently than transitions between blocks with similar SNR levels. A major strength of this cross-species approach is the ability to directly link analogous responses and comparative analyses across species on a perceptual level, thus enhancing translational potential. Liz Rowen She/Her Graduate Program Assistant Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Martin C. Jischke Hall of Biomedical Engineering 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907-2032 o: 765-494-1197 [7054E290]<https://www.purdue.edu/?utm_source=signature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=…> -- Bmeroundtable-list mailing list Bmeroundtable-list(a)ecn.purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/mailman/listinfo/bmeroundtable-list

1 0