University of Central Florida View Institution's Website 18 articles published in JoVE Engineering Advances in Nanoscale Infrared Spectroscopy to Explore Multiphase Polymeric Systems Rebecca Young1,2, Laurene Tetard1,2 1Nanoscience Technology Center, Physics Department, University of Central Florida, 2Physics Department, University of Central Florida This protocol describes the application of atomic force microscopy and nanoscale infrared spectroscopy to evaluate the performance of photothermal nanoscale infrared spectroscopy in the characterization of three-dimensional multi-polymeric samples. Medicine Muscle Function Obtained with Motion Mode Ultrasound and Surface Electromyography during Core Endurance Exercise Luk Devorski1, Andrew Skibski1, L. Colby Mangum1 1REhabilitation, Athletic assessment, and DYnamic imaging (READY) Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida This protocol uses motion mode ultrasound and surface electromyography simultaneously to measure muscle function of the core. Muscle thickness and activation of the local stabilizers (e.g., transverse abdominis, internal oblique) and global movers (e.g., external oblique) is achievable during specific time points of the side plank and dead bug exercises. Medicine Providing Visual Biofeedback Using Brightness Mode Ultrasound During a Golf Swing Andrew Skibski1, Luk Devorski1, L. Colby Mangum1 1REhabilitation, Athletic assessment, and DYnamic imaging (READY) Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida Brightness mode ultrasound can be used to provide visual biofeedback of the muscles of the lateral abdominal wall during a golf swing. Post-swing visual and verbal instruction can increase the muscle activation and timing of the external and internal obliques. Behavior Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties Rebeca Cerezo1, Estrella Fernández1, Cristina Gómez1, Miguel Sánchez-Santillán1, Michelle Taub2, Roger Azevedo2 1University of Oviedo, 2University of Central Florida The current work proposes a multimodal evaluation protocol focused on metacognitive, self-regulation of learning, and emotional processes, which make up the basis of the difficulties in adults with LDs. Immunology and Infection Bone Marrow Transplantation Platform to Investigate the Role of Dendritic Cells in Graft-versus-Host Disease Hung D. Nguyen*1, Phung Thanh Huong*2, Krystal Hossack1, Sanjeev Gurshaney1, Kevin Ezhakunnel1, Thien-Huong Huynh1, Anamaria Morales Alvarez1, Nhat-Tu Le3, Hung N. Luu4,5 1Cancer Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 2Department of Biochemistry, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 3Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 4Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, 5Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center Graft-versus-host disease is a major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Dendritic cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease. The current article describes a novel bone marrow transplantation platform to investigate the role of dendritic cells in the development of graft-versus-host disease and the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Biochemistry Perturbing Endothelial Biomechanics via Connexin 43 Structural Disruption Md. Mydul Islam1, Robert L. Steward, Jr.1,2 1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, 2Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida Here, we present a mechanics-based protocol to disrupt the gap junction connexin 43 and measure the subsequent impact this has on endothelial biomechanics via observation of tractions and intercellular stresses. Bioengineering A Guide to Build a Highly Inclined Swept Tile Microscope for Extended Field-of-view Single-molecule Imaging Jialei Tang1, Chun-Hung Weng1, Jeffrey B. Oleske2, Kyu Young Han1 1CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida, 2Andor Technology, Oxford Instruments A detailed instruction is described on how to build a highly inclined swept tile (HIST) microscope and its usage for single-molecule imaging. Immunology and Infection Flow Cytometric Measurement Of ROS Production In Macrophages In Response To FcγR Cross-linking Michael G. Shehat1, Justine Tigno-Aranjuez1 1Division of Immunity and Pathogenesis, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida This study demonstrates the use of flow cytometry to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) production resulting from activation of the FcγR. This method can be used to assess changes in the antimicrobial and redox signaling function of phagocytes in response to immune complexes, opsonized microorganisms, or direct FcγR cross-linking. Engineering Impacts of Free-falling Spheres on a Deep Liquid Pool with Altered Fluid and Impactor Surface Conditions Daren A. Watson, Jeremy L. Stephen, Andrew K. Dickerson 1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida This protocol demonstrates the basic experimental configuration for water entry experiments with free-falling spheres. Methods for the alteration of liquid surface with penetrable fabrics, the preparation of chemically non-wetting spheres, and steps for splash visualization and data extraction are discussed. Engineering Scalable Stamp Printing and Fabrication of Hemiwicking Surfaces Thomas Germain1, Chance Brewer1, James Scott1, Shawn A. Putnam1 1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida A simple protocol is provided for the fabrication of hemiwicking structures of varying sizes, shapes, and materials. The protocol uses a combination of physical stamping, PDMS molding, and thin-film surface modifications via common materials deposition techniques. Environment Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris Katherine M. Martin1, Elizabeth A. Hasenmueller2, John R. White3, Lisa G. Chambers4, Jeremy L. Conkle1 1Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 2Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Saint Louis University, 3Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, 4Department of Biology, University of Central Florida Most microplastic research to date has occurred in marine systems where suspended solid levels are relatively low. Focus is now shifting to freshwater systems, which may feature high sediment loads and floating debris. This protocol addresses collecting and analyzing microplastic samples from aquatic environments that contain high suspended solid loads. Behavior A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings Robert Carter III1, Kirtigandha Salwe Carter2, John Holliday3, Alice Holliday3, Carlton Keith Harrison4 1Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, 2Department of Integrative Physiology, The University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3Works of Wonder International, 4DeVos Graduate Sports Business Management Program, University of Central Florida Stress is an unavoidable and persistent component of life and holistic approaches for its management are being considered. A standardized methodology was created to demonstrate the feasibility of a breath-based stress management protocol that can be used with commercially available portable technology. Engineering Electrospray Deposition of Uniform Thickness Ge23Sb7S70 and As40S60 Chalcogenide Glass Films Spencer Novak1, Pao-Tai Lin2,3, Cheng Li4, Nikolay Borodinov1, Zhaohong Han5, Corentin Monmeyran5, Neil Patel5, Qingyang Du5, Marcin Malinowski4, Sasan Fathpour4, Chatdanai Lumdee4, Chi Xu4, Pieter G. Kik4, Weiwei Deng6, Juejun Hu7, Anuradha Agarwal7, Igor Luzinov1, Kathleen Richardson4 1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Clemson University, 2Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, 4College of Optics and Photonics, Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), University of Central Florida, 5Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 6Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, 7Microphotonics Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology A method of uniform thickness solution-derived chalcogenide glass film deposition is demonstrated using computer numerical controlled motion of a single-nozzle electrospray. Chemistry Photodynamic Therapy with Blended Conducting Polymer/Fullerene Nanoparticle Photosensitizers Mona Doshi1,2, Andre J. Gesquiere1,2,3,4 1NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 2Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, 3Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida, 4CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics, University of Central Florida This protocol describes a method for the fabrication of conducting polymer nanoparticles blended with fullerene. These nanoparticles were investigated for their potential use as a next generation photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Biology Enhanced Genetic Analysis of Single Human Bioparticles Recovered by Simplified Micromanipulation from Forensic ‘Touch DNA’ Evidence Katherine Farash1,2, Erin K. Hanson3, Jack Ballantyne1,2,3 1Forensic Science Graduate Program, Biochemistry Track, University of Central Florida, 2Department of Chemistry, University of Central Florida, 3National Center for Forensic Science, University of Central Florida Here we describe an optimized and efficient removal strategy for the collection of bio-particles present in ‘touch DNA’ samples, together with an enhanced amplification protocol involving a one-step 5 µl micro-volume lysis/STR amplification, to permit the recovery of short tandem repeat (STR) profiles of the bio-particle donor(s). Medicine A Mouse Fetal Skin Model of Scarless Wound Repair Graham G. Walmsley*1,2, Michael S. Hu*1,2,3, Wan Xing Hong1,4, Zeshaan N. Maan1, H. Peter Lorenz1, Michael T. Longaker1,2 1Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, 2Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 3Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 4University of Central Florida College of Medicine During mammalian development, early gestational skin wounds heal without a scar. Here we detail a reliable and reproducible model of fetal scarless wound healing in the cutaneous dorsum of E16.5 (scarless) and E18.5 (scarring) mouse embryos. Bioengineering Utilization of Microscale Silicon Cantilevers to Assess Cellular Contractile Function In Vitro Alec S.T. Smith1, Christopher J. Long1, Christopher McAleer1, Nathaniel Bobbitt1, Balaji Srinivasan1, James J. Hickman1 1NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida This protocol describes the use of microscale silicon cantilevers as pliable culture surfaces for measuring the contractility of muscle cells in vitro. Cellular contraction causes cantilever bending, which can be measured, recorded, and converted into readouts of force, providing a non-invasive and scalable system for measuring contractile function in vitro. Immunology and Infection Detection of Toxin Translocation into the Host Cytosol by Surface Plasmon Resonance Michael Taylor1, Tuhina Banerjee1, Neyda VanBennekom1, Ken Teter1 1Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, University of Central Florida In this report, we describe how surface plasmon resonance is used to detect toxin entry into the host cytosol. This highly sensitive method can provide quantitative data on the amount of cytosolic toxin, and it can be applied to a range of toxins.
