@phdthesis{14226, abstract = {We introduce the notion of a Faustian interchange in a 1-parameter family of smooth functions to generalize the medial axis to critical points of index larger than 0. We construct and implement a general purpose algorithm for approximating such generalized medial axes.}, author = {Stephenson, Elizabeth R}, issn = {2791-4585}, pages = {43}, publisher = {Institute of Science and Technology Austria}, title = {{Generalizing medial axes with homology switches}}, doi = {10.15479/at:ista:14226}, year = {2023}, } @inproceedings{11428, abstract = {The medial axis of a set consists of the points in the ambient space without a unique closest point on the original set. Since its introduction, the medial axis has been used extensively in many applications as a method of computing a topologically equivalent skeleton. Unfortunately, one limiting factor in the use of the medial axis of a smooth manifold is that it is not necessarily topologically stable under small perturbations of the manifold. To counter these instabilities various prunings of the medial axis have been proposed. Here, we examine one type of pruning, called burning. Because of the good experimental results, it was hoped that the burning method of simplifying the medial axis would be stable. In this work we show a simple example that dashes such hopes based on Bing’s house with two rooms, demonstrating an isotopy of a shape where the medial axis goes from collapsible to non-collapsible.}, author = {Chambers, Erin and Fillmore, Christopher D and Stephenson, Elizabeth R and Wintraecken, Mathijs}, booktitle = {38th International Symposium on Computational Geometry}, editor = {Goaoc, Xavier and Kerber, Michael}, isbn = {978-3-95977-227-3}, issn = {1868-8969}, location = {Berlin, Germany}, pages = {66:1--66:9}, publisher = {Schloss Dagstuhl - Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik}, title = {{A cautionary tale: Burning the medial axis is unstable}}, doi = {10.4230/LIPIcs.SoCG.2022.66}, volume = {224}, year = {2022}, } @article{12307, abstract = {Point-set topology is among the most abstract branches of mathematics in that it lacks tangible notions of distance, length, magnitude, order, and size. There is no shape, no geometry, no algebra, and no direction. Everything we are used to visualizing is gone. In the teaching and learning of mathematics, this can present a conundrum. Yet, this very property makes point set topology perfect for teaching and learning abstract mathematical concepts. It clears our minds of preconceived intuitions and expectations and forces us to think in new and creative ways. In this paper, we present guided investigations into topology through questions and thinking strategies that open up fascinating problems. They are intended for faculty who already teach or are thinking about teaching a class in topology or abstract mathematical reasoning for undergraduates. They can be used to build simple to challenging projects in topology, proofs, honors programs, and research experiences.}, author = {Shipman, Barbara A. and Stephenson, Elizabeth R}, issn = {1935-4053}, journal = {PRIMUS}, keywords = {Education, General Mathematics}, number = {5}, pages = {593--609}, publisher = {Taylor & Francis}, title = {{Tangible topology through the lens of limits}}, doi = {10.1080/10511970.2021.1872750}, volume = {32}, year = {2022}, } @article{10754, abstract = {Targeting dysregulated Ca2+ signaling in cancer cells is an emerging chemotherapy approach. We previously reported that store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) blockers, such as RP4010, are promising antitumor drugs for esophageal cancer. As a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), afatinib received FDA approval to be used in targeted therapy for patients with EGFR mutation-positive cancers. While preclinical studies and clinical trials have shown that afatinib has benefits for esophageal cancer patients, it is not known whether a combination of afatinib and RP4010 could achieve better anticancer effects. Since TKI can alter intracellular Ca2+ dynamics through EGFR/phospholipase C-γ pathway, in this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of afatinib and RP4010 on intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in KYSE-150, a human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, using both experimental and mathematical simulations. Our mathematical simulation of Ca2+ oscillations could fit well with experimental data responding to afatinib or RP4010, both separately or in combination. Guided by simulation, we were able to identify a proper ratio of afatinib and RP4010 for combined treatment, and such a combination presented synergistic anticancer-effect evidence by experimental measurement of intracellular Ca2+ and cell proliferation. This intracellular Ca2+ dynamic-based mathematical simulation approach could be useful for a rapid and cost-effective evaluation of combined targeting therapy drugs.}, author = {Chang, Yan and Funk, Marah and Roy, Souvik and Stephenson, Elizabeth R and Choi, Sangyong and Kojouharov, Hristo V. and Chen, Benito and Pan, Zui}, issn = {14220067}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {3}, publisher = {MDPI}, title = {{Developing a mathematical model of intracellular Calcium dynamics for evaluating combined anticancer effects of afatinib and RP4010 in esophageal cancer}}, doi = {10.3390/ijms23031763}, volume = {23}, year = {2022}, }