Interdisciplinary

Identification of Cell Types in scRNA-seq Using Machine Learning Algorithms

Stephen Blough Research Mentor(s): Fadhl Alakwaa, Research investigator Research Mentor School/College/Department: Neurology Department, Michigan Medicine Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021 Session: Session 2 (11am – 11:50am) Breakout Room: Room 17 Presenter: 4 Event Link Abstract For privacy concerns this abstract cannot be published at this time. Authors: Fadhl Alakwaa, Adam Tisch, Stephen Blough Research […]

Identification of Cell Types in scRNA-seq Using Machine Learning Algorithms Read More »

Rendering Realistic Models of Radiation Sources, Shields, and Detectors for Implementation in Games

nabbaraj

Astounding visuals can be experienced throughout a plethora of video games. While it may only take a couple of seconds to view the breathtaking visuals presented in a game, each model may have taken days, months or even years to complete! The objects presented in a given game evolve through a long process, starting from initial modeling to eventual rendering for gameplay. Since this research focuses on teaching players about radiation detection, some of the objects required for the game, such as radiation sources and detectors, must be modeled from scratch as these are not available as standard objects in asset libraries. Such items require careful research concerning their overall appearance and dimensions in the real world, and their suitability for inclusion in a game in which technical realism may be desired. In order to allow the game to run as efficiently as possible, the models must hold a low polygon and vertex count, or be “low-poly”, so that the game may operate smoothly as a player moves throughout the virtual space. Objects optimized for gameplay should additionally possess fewer textures as these may also consume memory and slow gameplay. Even if the objects are low-poly models, they can look very detailed through the use of lighting, shading, and texturing to create the stunning visuals often visible in professional games. By attending to gameplay related requirements and using those techniques without compromising portrayal of actual items, an optimal game with realistic radiation sources, shields, and detectors can be created. This creates a more effortless and enjoyable learning experience for the players.

Rendering Realistic Models of Radiation Sources, Shields, and Detectors for Implementation in Games Read More »

Characterization of a thermoluminescent dosimetry system for seven different dosimetric materials

irvinech

A series of experiments was conducted to fully characterize a prototype planchet-based thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) reader, the Rexon UL-320-FDR. Seven sets of dosimeters of different TLD materials were used in calibration, dosage, and heating rate experiments. This was accomplished through irradiating a set of 100 3mmx3mmx1mm dosimeters, or chips, for each material. Calibrations were conducted through three trials, with statistical analysis to obtain calibration factors for every chip in each set. Corrections were made for nonuniformities due to position in the field of the Cesium-137 source. Groups of ten chips within a set received a unique dose of between 2.4 and 29 mGy to check linearity and study noise. Heating rate experiments chips irradiate to 15 mGy were processed in groups of 10 with different heating rates for each group of 10, ranging from 1 to 20 °C·s -1 . Preliminary analysis revealed a relative standard deviation in calibration factors of <10% for LiF:Mg,Ti, from both experimental errors and individual chip variations. Linearity in sensitivity as a function of dose was generally observed over the range of doses. Some unusual behavior was observed in the glow curves, or signals recorded as a function of time during heating, for heating rates exceeding 10 °C·s -1 . This work substantially helps improve the accuracy, understand the uncertainties involved, and optimize the heating rates of future experiments conducted with these sets of TLDs and the Rexon UL-320-FDR. Additionally these data sets are of great use in designing and testing glow curve analysis software.

Characterization of a thermoluminescent dosimetry system for seven different dosimetric materials Read More »

Solar Optics Active Nanostructures and their Applications

annyn

Water scarcity is a pressing issue that impacts over two thirds of the global population. With populations growing and atmospheric temperatures rising, this problem will only worsen with time. Desalination is considered to be a great solution to this issue, but it can be very costly and energy intensive. This study was carried out to determine the viability of solar optics active nanostructures in water desalination. These nanoparticles have the ability to generate intense localized heat when exposed to sunlight. By creating a panel containing these nanoparticles, we could convert the heat into usable energy. These panels have the potential to power individual, decentralized water treatment plants. In this project, we envisioned the technology to be used for this application by review the current solar water treatment technologies. Furthermore, we created an engineering design for the nanostructure panel by computer-aided design method. We anticipate that our approach could help address the water scarcity issue in addition to being a more sustainable option.

Solar Optics Active Nanostructures and their Applications Read More »

Skeletal Growth Abnormalities in TSP1/2 Double-Knockout Mice

wesselse

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are proteins crucial to the development of bone. In mice with TSP1 and TSP2 knockout genotypes, referred to as double knock-outs (DKOs), exostoses, or bone growth outside of normal bone (particularly in soft tissues), and other abnormal skeletal growth phenotypes have been observed in the femoral-tibial joint, particularly the patellar region, specifically extending proximally in the quadricep tendon of older cohorts. To further explore these abnormalities, longitudinal radiographs of DKO mice and wild-types (WT), consisting of C57/Bl6 and functional WT were obtained. These X-ray images were taken of mice at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, and 20 weeks old, in addition to images collected while conducting fracture research, which span from 13 to 94 weeks old. Mice from fracture surgeries consist of TSP1-null, TSP2-null, and CD47-null genotypes in addition to DKO and WT. All of the radiographs were then collated to compare development of these exostoses in relation to age and genotype, and semiquantitative analysis was performed to gain a better understanding of the severity of the observed abnormalities and determine the age at which they begin to develop. Overall, the current data leads us to conclude that exostoses is present by 24 weeks of age by radiography, with potential of developing even earlier.

Skeletal Growth Abnormalities in TSP1/2 Double-Knockout Mice Read More »

Percolation modeling

magizhao

Under Professor Ziff, our research group devised various methods of modeling types of percolation. These models were initially based in C and were unoptimized for large-scale run times. We rewrote these programs in C++ and implemented various algorithms and memory structures which helped reduce the runtime of the simulation algorithms. These small improvements yielded a boost in productivity as percolation models have to be run for hours on end to yield large enough outputs to provide viable research data. These small improvements are very important, as improvements in program runtime compounded over hours can have a huge impact and allow researchers to get more done in less time.

Percolation modeling Read More »

Understanding the Social Determinants of Health in Medical and Surgical Care

irvingp

Although the term social determinants of health (SDOH) has been in the social science literature for several years now, SDOH are a relatively new concept in the field of medicine, and more specifically, in surgery. Researchers are just beginning to develop an understanding on how SDOH applies to surgical patients. This literature review aggregates known research on what has already been published on SDOH in surgical care by way of a systematic literature review. Multiple peer-reviewed journal aggregation sites, including PubMed, were used to gather our results. We are currently solidifying our search terms and will be embarking on the systematic literature review process. Finalizing our search terms has provided our team valuable information on how to better narrow our research question, but also it has allowed us to be thoughtful in methods and structure. As a literature review of this type has not been published prior, it is critical that the finalized search terms capture the pertinent articles discussing SDOH within surgical care. By better understanding how SDOH impacts surgical patients, clinicians and policy makers will have more tools in their toolbox to improve patient outcomes to those most affected.

Understanding the Social Determinants of Health in Medical and Surgical Care Read More »

Family Caregiving of COVID-19 Patients: A Qualitative Study

sadrah

Background: More than 130,000 people in the United States have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 associated illness (March, 2020 – January, 2021). After hospital discharge, close friends and relatives of COVID-19 patients are responsible for the bulk of non-professional caregiving. Although caregiving has been well-researched in other diseases, not much is known about non-professional caregiving for COVID-19 patients within the constraints imposed by a global pandemic. Objective: The objective of this study is to catalog patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to caregiving during COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and recovery. Methods: Trained interviewers conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 patient-caregiver dyads. All patient-caregiver dyads were aged 18 and over and resided within the United States. Caregivers were family or friends without medical training. Patients were hospitalized in an ICU for a COVID-19-related illness. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using the RADaR qualitative analysis technique. Results: Analysis is ongoing, but preliminary themes have emerged. Themes of caregiving barriers include the fluidity of care roles, knowledge deficit, financial challenges, and isolation. Themes of caregiving facilitators include technology, emotional support, and formal support. Conclusion: Unique but overlapping themes of facilitators and barriers to caregiving were identified among both caregivers and patients. The isolation caused by the pandemic has added a new dimension to both the caregiver and patient experience. Looking at other types of caregiving may help provide context to these findings. Implications: Identifying the current barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 caregiving can help us understand what is needed to improve the overall well-being of COVID-19 patients. This research is important because it can help reduce rehospitalization rates through the caregiving role and inform public health interventions to support caregivers and patients during pandemics.

Family Caregiving of COVID-19 Patients: A Qualitative Study Read More »