| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Megan Dole megan.dole@tamu.edu Biomedical Sciences |
| Faculty Mentor: | Dr. Christopher Quick, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Monday 11:30 – 12:20; Thursday 11:15 – 12:25 |
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Team Size:
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3 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Co-authorship of a manuscript; 491 credit (3hrs) during Spring 2019 semester
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Team Needs:
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Proficient in mathematical modeling software (we use Mathematica) or scientific writing experience
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Description:
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Edema is any accumulation of fluid volume in a space between tissues, and is the phenomenon responsible for what we see as swelling due to inflammation or injury. When edema is present in the intestines, the excess volume makes it harder for the intestines to pump (a motion called peristalsis, which is responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients). Ileus is the cessation of peristalsis, and when the intestines don’t pump, there is no force to push the excess fluid out of the interstitial space via the lymphatic system. The interaction between edema and ileus is categorized as a positive feedback system, and we’ve been working to develop a mathematical model to determine the onset of an unstable positive feedback loop as well as predict the primary mechanical properties responsible.
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