IUPUI Research Day 2012

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VOLUMETRIC LATTICE BOLTZMANN SIMULATION FOR BLOOD FLOW IN AORTA ARTERY PUMPED THROUGH AORTIC HEART VALVE
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Deep, Debanjan; Yu, Huidan
Complicated moving boundaries pose a major challenge in compu-tational fluid dynamics for complex flows, especially in the biomechan-ics of both blood flow in the cardiovascular system and air flow in the respiratory system where the compliant nature of the vessels can have significant effects on the flow rate and wall shear stress. We develop an innovative approach to treat arbitrarily moving boundaries in Lat-tice Boltzmann Method (LBM) using a volumetric lattice Boltzmann representation, which distributes particles in fluid lattice cells. A volu-metric bounce-back procedure is applied in the streaming step while momentum exchange between the fluid and moving solid boundary are accounted for in the collision step. Additional boundary-induced migra-tion is introduced to conserve fluid mass as the boundary moves across fluid cells. We use the volumetric LBM to simulate blood flow in aorta pumped from heart focusing on the flow rate, flow structure, pressure distribution within the aorta for different heart pumping con-ditions. For validation, the volumetric LBM is compared with Navier-Stokes computation and good agreements are achieved. We study the flow dynamics within the aorta in the cardiac cycle (systole and diasto-le) through alternatively opening and closing the inlet boundary to mimic the heart pumping mechanism.
THE EFFECTS OF QUORUM SENSING ANTAGONISTS ON BIOFILM
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Guzman, Juan M.; Anderson, Gregory G.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recessive genetic disorder that causes the for-mation of thick mucus plugs in the lungs of approximately 30,000 people in the United States and 60,000 individuals world-wide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, is able to colonize the mu-cus plugs and form antibiotic resistant biofilms. These microbial colonies, known as biofilms, cause serious problems for individuals living with CF. P. aeruginosa biofilms are able to cause chronic infections in the lungs of CF patients leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Using a modified bio-film assay, we tested the effects of modified chemical compounds and amino acids on P. aeruginosa biofilm dispersion. A previous study performed on P. aeruginosa, found that treatment of d- and l- amino acids resulted in biofilm dissemination. Through additional experiments, we will identify modified chemical compounds that induce biofilm dispersion. This research will in-crease our knowledge of P. aeruginosa biofilm dispersion, and allow us to explore new forms of treatment and therapy for CF patients with chronic in-fections that could be life threatening.
STUDY OF AFIRCAN AMERICAN MALES IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE FACTORS THAT CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO POOR GRADUATING RATES
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Horne, Joshua; Henry, Ronda
With the steady decline of African American males in college and graduat-ing high school, the African American male is being under represented in high ranking roles and positions of power in our world today. Why are Afri-can American males not graduating high school and not eventually going to college? What factors are causing this lack of interest, dedication, or funds? There could be many different factors that could cause this to anyone, but why are African American males the ones who are largely affected? A leading factor I believe could be the lack of role models for African American males. If the only black men that are being seen by students are the rappers and “gangsters” on TV, then who will the kids look up to? I am going to find the-se factors that affect the African American male in higher education. Through my findings, I will be able to produce better ways and alternatives for the learning and teaching of the African American male. I will observe students in class, conduct surveys, and interview different students and teachers. Why can’t black males achieve greatness in our world without be-ing a rapper or song artist? I believe that black males should be able to see an educated, smart, polite African American male in their community every single day, which I believe will make a major difference in their lives. Edu-cating young black men needs to be done for our future to succeed.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: SELF-EFFICACY OF STUDENTS—INSTRUCTORS IN AN ADAPTED DANCE PROGRAM
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Kline, Kyra L.; Swinford, Rachel
Objective: Experiential learning (EL) within an adapted dance program may produce increased self-efficacy in instructing or working with different populations such as disabled or culturally diverse individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine responses in participation with an adapted physi-cal activity (PA) dance program for young individuals with Down syndrome. Methods: To explore the experience of the student-volunteers, self-efficacy surveys were conducted before and after the six-week dance pro-gram. Using a Likert scale, students scored their perceived self-efficacy in individual and team instruction of PA in a variety of populations such as ur-ban settings, cardiac rehabilitation, children, and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, journal reflections were used to explore the question, “What did/does this experience mean to you?” Journal reflections were analyzed for themes and patterns using the guidelines for interpretative phenomenologi-cal analysis. Results: Results indicated that self-efficacy increased in instructing PA to the population involved in the dance program. Significant increases (P<.005) were also noted in one’s perceived ability to team instruct cardiac rehabilita-tion, high school students, general population, and children; as well as one’s perceived ability to individually instruct high-risk individuals, cardiac rehabili-tation, and children. Qualitative data from journal reflections suggest the fol-lowing themes: dancers taught student-volunteers life lessons, student-volunteers gained experience with different populations, student-volunteers gained teaching experience. Conclusion: Students involved in an EL program working with adapted populations, self-efficacy may increase not only in working with individuals with disabilities but may also increase self-efficacy in working with other populations. Students’ perception of the experience suggests that the EL ex-perience within the dance program through structured activities is impactful to personal and professional growth. Findings suggest that further studies may be needed to indicate the minimal duration of an EL experience needed to improve self-efficacy. Overall, students’ feelings toward the population suggest growth toward more civic-mindedness.
ACUTE FUNCTIONAL TOLERANCE TO ETHANOL IN MICE SELECTIVELY BRED FOR HIGH AND LOW ALCOHOL PREFERENCE DRINKING
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Fritz, B.M.; Grahame, N.J.; Boehm II, S.L.
Propensity to develop acute functional (or within session) tolerance to alcohol (ethanol) may influence the amount of alcohol consumed, with higher drinking associated with greater acute functional tolerance (AFT). The goal of the current study was to assess this potential corre-lated response in second and third replicate lines of mice selectively bred for high (HAP2&3) and low (LAP2&3) alcohol preference drinking. We predicted that HAP mice would develop greater AFT to alcohol’s ataxic actions than LAP mice. Male and female HAP2&3 and LAP2&3 mice were tested for development of AFT on a static dowel task. This task requires that animals maintain balance on a wooden dowel in or-der to prevent falling. On test day, each mouse received one (1.75g/kg; experiment 1) or two (1.75g/kg and 2.0g/kg; experiment 2) injections of ethanol; an initial administration before being placed on the dowel and in another experiment, an additional administration after the first regain of balance on the dowel. Blood samples were tak-en immediately after loss of balance and regain in Experiment, 1 and after first and second regain in Experiment 2. It was found that HAP mice fell from the dowel significantly earlier and at lower BACs than LAP mice following the initial injection of ethanol and were therefore more sensitive. Furthermore, the single-injection experiment detected significantly greater AFT development (BAC2-BAC1) in HAP mice as compared to LAP mice, supporting our hypothesis. This study illus-trates the rapidity with which adaptive pharmacodynamic processes can take place which may contribute to excessive alcohol consumption.
PSYCHOSIS IN HINDSIGHT: A COLLECTIVE RECOLLECTION OF THE ONSET OF PSYCHOSIS
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Francis, Michael M.; Liffick, Emily C.; Mehdiyoun, Nicole F.; Radnovich, Alexander; Breier, Alan
Psychotic disorders cause marked cognitive, perceptual, and social impairments and may lead to significant disability. Those affected with these illnesses may have great difficulty in educational, occupational, and social functioning; especially troubling is the fact that these illness often strike when those afflicted should be entering into some of the most productive years of their lives. The primary purpose of this study is to ascertain the perspective of subjects with psychotic disorders on the mental health system and treatment, stigmatization, social functioning, and symptom experience. This information will be of use in improving treatment engagement, compliance, and education of providers. Fifty subjects with nonaffective psychoses in each of two arms (new onset psychosis and chronic psychosis) will be enrolled and asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. After subjects complete the questionnaire, investigators will review medical records to confirm subject age and diagnosis, compare subject report with symptomatology, and look for trends or topics of interest in comparing patient survey reports with medical records which may provide for useful insight upon further investigation.
TUNING THE FERROELECTRIC PROPERTIES THROUGH A MAGNETIC FIELD
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Carvell, Jeffrey; Cheng, Ruihua
Preparation and characterization of multiferroic materials in which ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism coexist would be a milestone for func-tionalized materials and devices. We have demonstrated that the electric po-larization of ferroelectric polymer, poly-vinylidene fluoride (PVDF), can be controlled by applying an external magnetic field. Samples were created in a layered heterostructure, with the key part of a PVDF layer sandwiched by two layers of Fe thin films. We found that as the applied magnetic field is changed, the switching of electric polarization for the PVDF displayed a de-pendence on the external magnetic field. We also noticed that both coercivity and polarization for the PVDF polymer display hysteretic features according to the change of an applied magnetic field. Our study showed that the thickness of both the iron layer and the PVDF layer have an effect on the magnetoelectric coupling in our samples. The same magnetostriction strain applied to a thicker PVDF layer becomes tougher to flip the polarization compared to a thinner PVDF layer. As the iron film thickness increases, the magnetoelectric strain also increases, and the PVDF polymer can be easily saturated and the polarization is more easily flipped. We have shown that it is possible to control the ferroelectric properties of a PVDF film by tuning the magnetic field in heterostructures. Our study shows that this system could have show promising applications for new information technology and devices.
Failure Detection for Over-Discharged Li-Ion Batteries
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Xiong, Jing; Banvait, Harpreetsingh; Li, Lingxi; Chen, Yaobin; Xie, Jian; Liu, Yadong; Wu, Meng; Chen, Jie
Li-ion batteries are high density, slow loss of charge when not in use and no memory effect. Vast research on Li-ion batteries has been focusing on increasing the energy density, durability, and cost. Due to its advantages it has been widely used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Apart from its advantages, safety is a major concern for Li-ion batteries. The Li-ion safety issues have been widely publicized due to devastating incidents with laptop and cell phone batteries. Despite of much research towards the safety of Li-ion battery, it remains as a major concern related to Li-Ion batteries. A failure of Li-ion battery may result in thermal runaway. Li-ion battery failure may be due to overcharge, over-discharge, short circuits, particles poisoning, mechanical or thermal damage [1, 2]. Short circuit, overcharge, and over-discharge are the most common electrical abuses a battery suffers. This poster presents preliminary results for the failure signatures of over-discharged Li-ion batteries, and proposes a rule-based method and a probabilistic method for failure detection. The two methods Rule-based method and Probabilistic method are verified using experimental results for a Li-ion battery. The proposed methods were successfully implemented in a real-time system for failure detection and early warning.
STIFFNESS OF 3D COLLAGEN MATRICES REGULATES CDC42 ACTIVITY OF ENDOTHELIAL COLONY FORMING CELLS DURING EARLY VACUOLE
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Kim, Seung Joon; Voytik-Harbin, Sherry; Yoder, Mervin; Na, Sungsoo
Recent preclinical reports have provided evidence that endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), a subset of endothelial progenitor cells, significantly improve vessel formation, largely due to their robust vasculogenic potential. While it has been known that the Rho family GTPase Cdc42 is involved in this ECFC-driven vessel formation process, the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness on its activity during vessel formation is largely unknown. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Cdc42 biosen-sor, we examined the spatio-temporal activity of Cdc42 of ECFCs in three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrices with varying stiffness. The result re-vealed that ECFCs exhibited an increase in Cdc42 activity in a soft (150 Pa) matrix, while they were much less responsive in a stiff (1000 Pa) matrix. In both soft and stiff matrices, Cdc42 was highly activated near vacuoles; how-ever, its activity is higher in a soft matrix than that in a stiff matrix. The ob-served Cdc42 activity was closely associated with vacuole area. Soft matri-ces induced higher Cdc42 activity, faster vacuole formation, and larger vac-uole area than stiff matrices. Time courses of Cdc42 activity and vacuole formation data revealed that Cdc42 activity proceeds vacuole formation. Collectively, these results suggest that matrix stiffness is critical in regulat-ing Cdc42 activity in ECFCs and its activation is an important step in early vacuole formation.
HUMAN ADIPOSE-DERIVED STEM CELLS ATTENUATE CIGARETTE SMOKE INDUCED BONE MARROW HYPOPLASIA VIA SECRETION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE TSG-6
(Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Xie, Jie; Petrache, Irina; Broxmeyer, Hal E.; March, Keith L.; Feng, Dongni; Cook, Todd G.; Schweitzer, Kelly; Johnstone, Brian H.
Introduction We have previously observed bone marrow (BM) hypo-plasia in a murine model of chronic smoking, which was ameliorated by mu-rine adipose-derived stromal cells (ASC). This study was designed to test the hypothesis that ASC exert their marrow protective effects through key paracrine factors. Methods Mice (NSG or C57BL/6) were exposed to ciga-rette smoke (CS) for 1 day to 6 months. Human ASC or ASC conditioned media were administered through intravenous (i.v.) or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections. Secretion of TSG-6 from ASC in response to TNF alpha and IL-1 beta were measured by ELISA. Expression of TSG-6 in ASC was knocked down by siRNA. BM hematopoietic progenitors were quantified by colony forming-unit assays. Possible engrafted human ASC in mouse BM were ex-amined by anti-human nuclei staining. Results The myelossupressive effect of cigarette smoking occurred acutely (1 day: 65.6% of nonsmoking control, NSC, p<0.01) and worsened with prolonged exposure (3 days: 34.3% NSC, p<0.01). Such damage could be ameliorated with either ASC (111.0% NSC, p>0.05) or ASC conditioned media (105.7% NSC, p>0.05). Inflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha and IL-1 beta) elevated in smokers (Kuschner et al, 1996; de Maat et al, 2002) demonstrated strong cross-species stimulatory effects on secretions of an anti-inflammatory cytokine, TSG-6 from ASC (TNF alpha: 8.7 +/- 1.3 fold, IL-1 beta: 8.2 +/- 1.1 fold). Knocking down TSG-6 (>90%) abolished the marrow-protective effect of ASC. No human cells were detected in recipient mouse bone marrow. Conclusions The pro-tective effects of ASC against smoking-induced myelosuppression are medi-ated by trophic factors rather than cell engraftment or differentiation. TSG-6 appears to play a significant role in the modulatory pathway: smoke--inflammatory cytokine release--TSG6 secretion from ASC--bone marrow protection.

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