Multi-step connective tissue stabilization method and stabilized tissue formed thereby

A multi-step stabilization method for connective tissue is described. Stabilized tissues can exhibit increased resistance to degradation due to enzyme activity, fatigue and storage. The multi-step method includes a first step during which the tissue can be incubated with a glycosaminoglycanase inhibitor such as a sulfated oligosaccharide, one example of which being neomycin, a second step during which the tissue can be incubated with a crosslink activator such as a carbodiimide crosslink activator and/or a crosslinking agent such as a heterobifunctional crosslinking agent and/or a phenolic compound such as a tannin, examples of which include tannic acid and pentagalloylglucose, and a third step during which the tissue can be incubated with a second crosslink activator that can be the same or different as the first crosslink activator

Simulation software for transition-edge sensor performance prediction

Transition-edge sensors (TES) are outstanding calorimeters based on the steep superconductive transition of ametallic film. Among other photon detectors, they are renowned for the fine energy resolution, the photon-number resolving(PNR) capability and an extremely low dark count rate. Due to the broad detection spectrum, from gamma-ray to visible and submillimetre wavelengths, TESs are highly sought-after in a great variety of fields, such as X-ray detection and quantum technologies. Each of these fields demands a step forward in TESs performance with regards to the recovery time and energy resolution. Here we present a program, primarily capable of predicting the performance of TESs. Using established theoretical and empirical methods we developed a software that allows the users to choose active area, thickness, and material composition of a TES and to calculate its performance. Furthermore, the software can simulate TES properties at different working points.The aim of the software is to minimize the production cost and speed up the overall process for the creation of new devices with improved performance

Study of dark counts in optical superconducting transition-edge sensors

Superconducting transition-edge sensors (TESs), known for their high single-photon detection efficiency and low background, are increasingly being used in rare event searches. We present the first comprehensive characterization of optical TES backgrounds, identifying three event types: high-energy, electrical noise, and photon-like events. We experimentally verify and simulate the source of the high-energy events. We develop an algorithm to isolate photon-like events, the expected signal in dark matter searches, achieving record-low photon-like dark count rates in the 0.8-3.2 eV energy range

A Better Way to Make Heart Valves

Hobey Tam, a PhD student in bioengineering at Clemson University, describes his research as part of the 3-Minute Thesis competition at Clemson. The title of his presentation is A Better Way to Make Heart Valves

Novel Chemical Crosslinking to Stabilize Extracellular Matrix for Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Materials to Resist Calcification and Structural Degradation

Over 350,000 artificial heart valves are implanted each year domestically in the US due to valvular stenosis, regurgitation, or congenital defects. However, worldwide, there is precipitous demand of artificial heart valves in emerging economies and this demand is in younger populations because the need for artificial valves in these regions are driven by disease states such as rheumatic fever. With the increasing demand on this life sustaining device, a more robust and durable biomaterial with higher implant life is necessary for increased patient patency and quality of life. Current heart valve replacements only last 10-15 years before implant failure occurs. These replacements fail primarily due to structural degradation through wear and tear (leading to regurgitation) and/or calcification (leading to stenosis). Therefore, we have developed a novel fabrication method that produces a more durable material that is structurally more stable and resists calcification. Furthermore, through the use of this novel fabrication method, we have been able to study mechanistically the underlying factors in failure modes of current biomaterials used in bioprosthetic heart valve fabrication that lead to structural degradation and calcificaiton. Through the analyses of investigating potential failure modes, we are able to better strategically approach improving the next iteration of bioprosthetic heart valve materials that can significantly improve current patient segment quality of life as well as give healthcare options to those currently underserved in the bioprosthetic heart valve market

A Better Way to Make Heart Valves

Hobey Tam, a PhD student in bioengineering at Clemson University, describes his research as part of the 3-Minute Thesis competition at Clemson. The title of his presentation is A Better Way to Make Heart Valves