Education

Research Description

The focus of Dr. Muller's research is on the development of new sources of imaging contrasts that provide diagnostically relevant information. Her approach is based on understanding the propagation of ultrasound and elastic waves in biological tissue, and to establish quantitative relationships between ultrasound parameters and the microarchitecture of tissue. Ongoing research in my lab addresses bone, soft tissue and porous materials. The projects include: (1) Bone microarchitecture modelling and assessment; (2) Characterizing vascular networks; (3) The fundamentals of multiple scattering in tissue.

Publications

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Grants

Assessment of Bone Micro-Structure using Ultrasonic Methods

National Institutes of Health (NIH)(8/02/16 - 5/31/17)

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Assessment of Bone Micro-Structure using Ultrasonic Methods

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Start Date: 8/02/16

End Date: 5/31/17

Abstract

Osteoporosis is increasingly prevalent. It modifies microarchitecture and bone density and the assessment of both is required to predict bone competence accurately. Several studies have demonstrated the relationship between bone micro-architecture and bone strength. However, the current gold standard for fracture risk assessment relies on the X-ray characterization of bone mineral density alone. A quantitative, non-invasive and non-ionizing characterization of bone micro-architecture is currently not possible in vivo. There is therefore an unmet need. We propose to address this need by developing a novel technique for the assessment of bone micro-architecture using multiple scattering of ultrasound. We hypothesize that when multiple scattering occurs there is a measureable relationship between ultrasonic parameters, such as the scattering mean free path, and micro-architectural parameters, such as anisotropy, connectivity and trabecular separation. Our approach is based on the following two-fold paradigm: First: Combining the characterization of bone micro-architecture to the currently available assessment of bone mineral density would improve the diagnosis of fracture risk. Second: Ultrasound waves in the MHz range are subjected to multiple scattering by the micro-structure during propagation in bone. The resulting ultrasonic signals are complex and embed information on the micro-architecture. We will have the following specific aims: SA.1 We will establish a quantitative relationship between the micro-architectural properties of bone and ultrasound parameters related to multiple scattering. This will be validated in vitro in bone phantoms and real specimen. SA.2 Using mechanical testing, we will investigate the relationship between ultrasound parameters, micro-architecture and mechanical competence. SA.3 We will develop a measurement strategy for the in vivo characterization of bone micro-architecture, based on the relationships developed in SA 1 and SA2. If successful, this research will lead to a quantitative, non-invasive and non-ionizing ultrasound-based method to characterize bone micro-architecture. Ultimately, the methods developed will be used for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis. This research aims at limiting the use of ionizing and costly techniques for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

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Ultrasonic Characterization of Atherosclerotic Plaque using Multiple Scattering

National Institutes of Health (NIH)(9/30/16 - 7/31/17)

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Ultrasonic Characterization of Atherosclerotic Plaque using Multiple Scattering

Sponsor: National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Start Date: 9/30/16

End Date: 7/31/17

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Western countries, in large part due to plaque rupture. Vulnerable plaques are the most likely to rupture, being the major cause of acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. Neovascularization of the arterial walls by adventitial vasa vasorum appears to participate in the progression of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic plaque neovascularization was shown to be one of the strongest predictors of future cardiovascular events. No techniques are currently available for the quantitative assessment of vulnerable plaque, which remains an unmet need. Microbubbles are extremely powerful contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging of the vasculature and Contrast Enhanced IntraVascular UltraSound (CE-IVUS) seems to be one of the most promising imaging modalities for the detection of atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque. However, although this technique allows the detection of the vasa vasorum, CE-IVUS currently does not provide a quantitative characterization of its micro-architecture. The specificity of CE-IVUS has to be improved. A quantitative assessment of the vasa vasorum network in vivo would strongly predict cardiovascular events yet no such techniques currently exist. We propose using ultrasound multiple scattering to characterize the microstructural properties of neovascular networks. By using ultrasound multiple scattering to characterize the architecture of the neovascularization, we will add a new dimension to CE-IVUS. With the technique we propose to develop here, CE-IVUS will not only be used for the detection of plaque related neo-angiogenesis, but also for its characterization. This will dramatically increase the specificity of CE-IVUS for the assessment of plaque vulnerability. It will enable the ultrasonic assessment of the vasa vasorum to become a widely used clinical tool for screening, diagnosis and monitoring of plaque vulnerability.

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Experimental Ultrasonic Characterization of Bone Micro-Architecture

NCSU Faculty Research & Professional Development Fund(7/01/15 - 6/30/16)

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Experimental Ultrasonic Characterization of Bone Micro-Architecture

Sponsor: NCSU Faculty Research & Professional Development Fund

Start Date: 7/01/15

End Date: 6/30/16

Abstract

Osteoporosis modifies the microarchitecture of trabecular bone by increasing the trabecular spacing and the anisotropy. Assessing these parameters will improve the assessment of bone mechanical competence, and will allow the prevention of spontaneous vertebral fractures. A quantitative, non-invasive and non-ionizing characterization of bone micro-architecture is currently not possible in vivo. The ultrasonic characterization of the biomechanical properties of bone has the potential to improve fracture risk assessment with a non-invasive, relatively inexpensive method that doesn't rely on ionizing radiation. Several independent research results suggest that multiple scattering of ultrasonic waves by bone heterogeneities plays an important role in the bone-ultrasound interaction. We propose to develop ultrasonic techniques that characterize bone micro-architecture based on multiple scattering. Our objectives for this project is to develop ultrasonic techniques for the measurement of bone micro-architecture on bone samples in vitro. The results will be validated by comparing the parameters measured with ultrasound (trabecular spacing and anisotropy) to the actual parameters of the micro-architecture measured with X-Ray Computed Tomography.

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Quantitative Characterization of Trabecular Bone Micro-Architecture Using Ultrasound – Applications to the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Spaceflight Osteopenia.

NCSU NC Space Grant Consortium(7/01/15 - 6/30/16)

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Quantitative Characterization of Trabecular Bone Micro-Architecture Using Ultrasound – Applications to the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Spaceflight Osteopenia.

Sponsor: NCSU NC Space Grant Consortium

Start Date: 7/01/15

End Date: 6/30/16

Abstract

Our objective is to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of spaceflight osteopenia through the determination of micro-structure of trabecular bone from ultrasonic measurements. In spaceflight osteopenia, the absence of gravity leads to reduced stresses on the body, which is believed to impair the process of bone remodelling. As a consequence, bone loss is experienced by astronauts, as well as modifications of the trabecular micro-architecture. Ultrasound waves in the MHz range are subjected to multiple scattering by the trabeculae during propagation in bone. The resulting ultrasonic signals are complex and embed information on the micro-architecture. We propose to test the hypothesis that when multiple scattering occurs there is a measureable relationship between ultrasonic parameters and micro-architectural parameters, such as trabecular spacing and anisotropy. To determine this relationship we will establish a model of ultrasonic propagation in trabecular bone based on the scattering theory of elastic waves in a complex heterogeneous environment. We will identify a set of ultrasound parameters quantitatively related to specific micro-architectural properties such as anisotropy, trabecular spacing and connectivity. We will develop a practical, model-based strategy for the monitoring of bone micro-architectural properties during space flight.

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