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Articles 211 - 240 of 288
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Synthesis And Characterization Of Doxorubicin Carrying Cetuximab-Pamam Dendrimer Bioconjugates, Gunjan Saxena
Synthesis And Characterization Of Doxorubicin Carrying Cetuximab-Pamam Dendrimer Bioconjugates, Gunjan Saxena
Theses and Dissertations
A tumor targeted dendrimer based drug delivery system was designed and synthesized to carry chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer G4.5 was chosen as the underlying carrier. Anionic G4.5 is a good option for drug delivery as it consists of 128 surface groups, is less cytotoxic and favorably biodistributed. The delivery system was synthesized using a layer-by layer arrangement of three functional entities: chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, monoclonal antibody Cetuximab against EGF receptor, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Doxorubicin was attached via an acid-sensitive hydrazon linkage to the dendrimer. Macromolecules are taken in by cells through endocytosis. pH inside the early endosomes …
Electroencephalography (Eeg)-Based Brain Computer Interfaces For Rehabilitation, Dandan Huang
Electroencephalography (Eeg)-Based Brain Computer Interfaces For Rehabilitation, Dandan Huang
Theses and Dissertations
Objective: Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies have been the subject of study for the past decades to help restore functions for people with severe motor disabilities and to improve their quality of life. BCI research can be generally categorized by control signals (invasive/non-invasive) or applications (e.g. neuroprosthetics/brain-actuated wheelchairs), and efforts have been devoted to better understand the characteristics and possible uses of brain signals. The purpose of this research is to explore the feasibility of a non-invasive BCI system with the combination of unique sensorimotor-rhythm (SMR) features. Specifically, a 2D virtual wheelchair control BCI is implemented to extend the application of …
Semi-Interpenetrating Nanofiber Scaffolds For Transbuccal Drug Delivery, Donald Aduba Jr.
Semi-Interpenetrating Nanofiber Scaffolds For Transbuccal Drug Delivery, Donald Aduba Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
The oral buccal mucosa is a promising absorption site for drug administration because it is permeable, highly vascularized and allows ease of administration. Although there are many platforms that have been used for drug delivery, nanofiber scaffolds as a platform for local or systemic drug delivery through the oral mucosa have not been fully explored. In this thesis, we fabricated a biocompatible electrospun gelatin nanofiber scaffold for local drug delivery at the oral mucosa. To stabilize the electrospun gelatin nanofibers and allow non-invasive incorporation of therapeutics into the scaffold, photo-reactive polyethylene-glycol (PEG)-diacrylate was employed to crosslink the scaffold to form …
Three Dimensional In Vitro Model Of Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Anna Bulysheva
Three Dimensional In Vitro Model Of Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Anna Bulysheva
Theses and Dissertations
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are among the leading causes of cancer related deaths throughout the world. The survival rate for this type of cancer is extremely low and has not changed significantly in recent decades. There is an imperative need to study tumor progression in a representative model in order to generate more knowledge about this disease as well as develop more effective treatment options. Multiple methods already exist for studying HNSCC and other types of cancers, including in vitro and in vivo models. Although in vivo models are more representative of the human carcinomas in terms …
Determination Of Effective Training Methods To Learn A Laparoscopic Camera Navigation Task Under Stressful Environments, Devnath Vasudevan
Determination Of Effective Training Methods To Learn A Laparoscopic Camera Navigation Task Under Stressful Environments, Devnath Vasudevan
Theses and Dissertations
Stress in surgical environment is generally very high and can result in performance degradation increasing patient risk .Current Training systems for learning minimally invasive surgical skills do not consider the component of stress in their training model. In this study the focus was on developing alternative training models that would allow the learner to effectively perform minimally invasive skill under stress. Two alternate training methods: 1) Training under stress until high performance levels and 2) training until high performance and low cognitive load are achieved were considered for this study. The control group consisted of training under no stress and …
Mineralization Potential Of Electrospun Pdo-Hydroxyapatite-Fibrinogen Blended Scaffolds, Isaac Rodriguez, Parthasarathy A. Madurantakam, Jennifer M. Mccool, Scott A. Sell, Hu Yang, Peter C. Moon, Gary L. Bowlin
Mineralization Potential Of Electrospun Pdo-Hydroxyapatite-Fibrinogen Blended Scaffolds, Isaac Rodriguez, Parthasarathy A. Madurantakam, Jennifer M. Mccool, Scott A. Sell, Hu Yang, Peter C. Moon, Gary L. Bowlin
Biomedical Engineering Publications
The current bone autograft procedure for cleft palate repair presents several disadvantages such as limited availability, additional invasive surgery, and donor site morbidity. The present preliminary study evaluates the mineralization potential of electrospun polydioxanone:nano-hydroxyapatite : fibrinogen (PDO : nHA : Fg) blended scaffolds in different simulated body fluids (SBF). Scaffolds were fabricated by blending PDO : nHA : Fg in the following percent by weight ratios: 100 : 0 : 0, 50 : 25 : 25, 50 : 50 : 0, 50 : 0 : 50, 0 : 0 : 100, and 0 : 50 : 50. Samples were immersed …
A Preliminary Study On The Potential Of Manuka Honey And Platelet-Rich Plasma In Wound Healing, Scott A. Sell, Patricia Wolfe, Andrew J. Spence, Isaac Rodriguez, Jennifer M. Mccool, Rebecca L. Petrella, Koyal Garg, Jeffery J. Ericksen, Gary L. Bowlin
A Preliminary Study On The Potential Of Manuka Honey And Platelet-Rich Plasma In Wound Healing, Scott A. Sell, Patricia Wolfe, Andrew J. Spence, Isaac Rodriguez, Jennifer M. Mccool, Rebecca L. Petrella, Koyal Garg, Jeffery J. Ericksen, Gary L. Bowlin
Biomedical Engineering Publications
Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro response of cells critical to the wound healing process in culture media supplemented with a lyophilized preparation rich in growth factors (PRGF) and Manuka honey. Materials and Methods. This study utilized cell culture media supplemented with PRGF, as well as whole Manuka honey and the medical-grade Medihoney (MH), a Manuka honey product. The response of human fibroblasts (hDF), macrophages, and endothelial cells (hPMEC) was evaluated, with respect to cell proliferation, chemotaxis, collagen matrix production, and angiogenic potential, when subjected to culture with media containing PRGF, MH, Manuka honey, …
Regeneration Of Electrospun Bioresorbable Vascular Grafts: A Phenomenon Associated With Vascular Graft Properties And Macrophage Phenotypes (M1/M2), Koyal Garg
Theses and Dissertations
Macrophages (MФ) and mast cells are important cell types in the context of tissue remodeling and regeneration. Mast cells participate in the early stages of wound healing and modulate the acute inflammatory responses to biomaterials. Mast cells can secrete a myriad of different cytokines by the process of degranulation; the process of regulated secretion in which preformed contents stored in their granules are rapidly released by exocytosis. Some of these cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13 and TNF-α can modulate the MФ phenotype. Macrophages (MΦ) are innate immune cells, crucial for tissue homeostasis, presentation of foreign and self-antigens following infection/injury, pathogen …
Tissue Engineering An Acellular Bioresorbable Vascular Graft To Promote Regeneration, Patricia Wolfe
Tissue Engineering An Acellular Bioresorbable Vascular Graft To Promote Regeneration, Patricia Wolfe
Theses and Dissertations
Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that aims to restore, maintain, or improve diseased or damaged tissues. Electrospinning has become one of the most popular means to fabricate a scaffold for various tissue engineering applications as the process is extremely versatile and inexpensive. The ability for electrospinning to consistently create nanofibrous structures capable of mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM) is the basis behind why this technique is so successful in tissue engineering. Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over 100 years, and because of this, the need for coronary artery replacements …
Silk Fibroin-Based Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Applications, Jennifer Mccool
Silk Fibroin-Based Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Applications, Jennifer Mccool
Theses and Dissertations
This study focused on the comparison of the electrospun silk scaffolds to the electrospun silk fibroin gel scaffolds. Moreover, this study examined the differences in cross-linking effects of genipin and methanol as well as solvents on the mechanical properties and cell compatibility of the scaffolds. Silk scaffolds were electrospun from an aqueous solution or 1,1,1,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) without genipin, immediately after 8 % (wt) genipin was added to the solution, and 18 hours after genipin blended with the solution. Uniaxial tensile testing determined that the silk scaffolds electrospun from water exhibit a higher modulus and peak stress than that of the …
Optimization Of A Tri-Layered Vascular Graft: The Influence Of Cellular And Mechanical Properties, Michael Mcclure
Optimization Of A Tri-Layered Vascular Graft: The Influence Of Cellular And Mechanical Properties, Michael Mcclure
Theses and Dissertations
Electrospinning is a polymer processing technique which allows for the production of nano to micro size fibers and scaffolds which can be composed of numerous synthetic biodegradable materials and natural biopolymers. Natively, elastin and collagen are the main components of vascular tissue. Arranged in a tri-layered structure, they create a specific mechanical environment that can withstand the rigors of circulation. The goal of this study was to develop a mechanically ‘biomimicking’ vascular graft composed of three distinct layers through the process of electrospinning. We hypothesize that the use of bioactive agents such as elastin, collagen, and silk to supplement poly(caprolactone) …
The Presentation And Perception Of Virtual Textures Through A Haptic Matrix Display Device, Patrick Headley
The Presentation And Perception Of Virtual Textures Through A Haptic Matrix Display Device, Patrick Headley
Theses and Dissertations
Dynamic, refreshable tactile displays offer a method of displaying graphical information to people who are blind or visually impaired. Texture, which is already used as an effective method to present graphical information in physical tactile diagrams, conceivably constitutes the best way to present graphics through a tactile display. This thesis presents the design of a new low-cost haptic matrix display device capable of displaying graphical information through virtual textures. The perception of virtual textures through the display is examined through three main experiments. The first two experiments examine the perception of square wave gratings through the device. The final experiment …
Development Of Physiologic Contact Models For Articular Surfaces, John Owen
Development Of Physiologic Contact Models For Articular Surfaces, John Owen
Theses and Dissertations
The superficial tangential zone (STZ) plays a significant role in normal articular cartilage’s ability to support loads and retain fluids. To date, tissue engineering efforts have not replicated normal STZ function in cartilage repairs. Finite element models were developed to examine the STZ’s role in normal and repaired articular surfaces under different contact conditions. Models were developed by incrementally adding improvements which culminated in contact loading of curved models by permeable and impermeable rigid surfaces and a normal cartilage layer. In the normal STZ, permeability was strain-dependent on volumetric strain; tension-compression nonlinearity modeled collagen behavior. Nonlinear geometry accounted for finite …
A Novel P300 Speller With Motor Imagery Embedded In A Traditional Oddball Paradigm., Vaishnavi Karnad
A Novel P300 Speller With Motor Imagery Embedded In A Traditional Oddball Paradigm., Vaishnavi Karnad
Theses and Dissertations
A Brain Computer Interface (BCI) provides a means, to control external devices, through the electrical activity of the brain, bypassing motor movement. Recent years have seen an increase in the application of P300 cognitive potential as a control and/or communication signal for the motor restoration in paralyzed patients, such as those in the later stages of ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Although many of these patients are in locked-in state i.e. where motor control is not possible, their cognition is known to remain intact. The P300 speller paradigm explored in this study relying on this cognition represented by the P300 peak …
Design And Implementation Of An Eye Blink Controlled Human Computer Interface, Poonam Gwalani
Design And Implementation Of An Eye Blink Controlled Human Computer Interface, Poonam Gwalani
Theses and Dissertations
Advances in Human Computer Interface (HCI) have made this area of research important for improving the standard of living for people with disabilities. An eye blink system is presented to allow people with disabilities to control a standard computer mouse. This system is designed for people who are paralytic with no control over their arms, speech, and anyone who is restricted to only the control of eye and head movements. This system is based on infrared reflectivity to capture and analyze real time eye blink signal of the user. It uses simple economical hardware electronics to emulate the functionality of …
3d Functional Modeling Of Dbs Efficacy And Development Of Analytical Tools To Explore Functional Stn, Deepak Kumbhare
3d Functional Modeling Of Dbs Efficacy And Development Of Analytical Tools To Explore Functional Stn, Deepak Kumbhare
Theses and Dissertations
Introduction: Exploring the brain for optimal locations for deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy is a challenging task, which can be facilitated by analysis of DBS efficacy in a large number of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores indicate the DBS efficacy of the corresponding stimulation location in a particular patient. The spatial distribution of these clinical scores can be used to construct a functional model which closely models the expected efficacy of stimulation in the region. Designs and Methods: In this study, different interpolation techniques were investigated that can appropriately model the DBS …
Development Of A Rigid Body Computational Model For Investigation Of Wrist Biomechanics, Benjamin Majors
Development Of A Rigid Body Computational Model For Investigation Of Wrist Biomechanics, Benjamin Majors
Theses and Dissertations
The wrist is one of the most complex joints in the human body. As such, the wrist joint is difficult to model due to the number of bones involved and its intricate soft tissue interactions. Many studies have attempted modeling the wrist previously; however, the majority of these studies simplify the joint into two-dimensions or idealized mechanical joints to reduce the complexity of the simulation. While these approaches still yield valuable information, the omission of a third-dimension or geometry defined movements limits the models’ usefulness in predicting joint function under non-idealized conditions. Therefore, the goal of this study was to …
4-D Modeling Of Displacement Vector Fields For Improved Radiation Therapy, Elizabeth Zachariah
4-D Modeling Of Displacement Vector Fields For Improved Radiation Therapy, Elizabeth Zachariah
Theses and Dissertations
In radiation therapy, it is imperative to deliver high doses of radiation to the tumor while reducing radiation to the healthy tissue. Respiratory motion is the most significant source of errors during treatment. Therefore, it is essential to accurately model respiratory motion for precise and effective radiation delivery. Many approaches exist to account for respiratory motion, such as controlled breath hold and respiratory gating, and they have been relatively successful. They still present many drawbacks. Thus, research has been expanded to tumor tracking. This paper presents a spatio-temporal model for four dimensional CT reconstruction. The method begins with a set …
Synthesis And Characterization Of Electrospun Gelatin/Dendrimer Scaffold Encapsulated With A Silver As A Potential Antimicrobial Wound Dressing, Alpana Dongargaonkar
Synthesis And Characterization Of Electrospun Gelatin/Dendrimer Scaffold Encapsulated With A Silver As A Potential Antimicrobial Wound Dressing, Alpana Dongargaonkar
Theses and Dissertations
A novel nanofiber scaffold was fabricated and characterized as a potential antimicrobial wound dressing. Half generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer G3.5 was covalently conjugated to gelatin. Gelatin alone or with gelatin-dendrimer conjugates was electrospun into nanofiber scaffolds. Gelatin is a derivative of natural collagen, and it is biocompatible, non-toxic and inexpensive, making it a desirable component in a wound dressing. Dendrimers are synthetic polymers comprising of a central core, internal branches and reactive surface groups. They provide a structurally controlled architecture for drug release. Silver was incorporated into the scaffold in situ due to its broad spectrum of antimicrobial properties. The …
Development Of Electroencephalography Based Brain Controlled Switch And Nerve Conduction Study Simulator Software, Kai Qian
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis investigated the development of an EEG-based brain controlled switch and the design of a software for nerve conduction study. For EEG-based brain controlled switch, we proposed a novel paradigm for an online brain-controlled switch based on Event-Related Synchronizations (ERDs) following external sync signals. Furthermore, the ERD feature was enhanced by 3 event-related moving averages and the performance was tested online. Subjects were instructed to perform an intended motor task following an external sync signal in order to turn on a virtual switch. Meanwhile, the beta-band (16-20Hz) relative ERD power (ERD in reverse value order) of a single EEG …
In Vitro Evaluation Of Mechanical Heart Valve Performance Using A Novel Test Chamber In An Automated Mock Circulatory Loop, Antonio Walker
In Vitro Evaluation Of Mechanical Heart Valve Performance Using A Novel Test Chamber In An Automated Mock Circulatory Loop, Antonio Walker
Theses and Dissertations
Valvular heart disease (VHD) continues to have significant effects on many people’s lives, with numbers expected to grow tremendously over the next few years. Individuals suffering from severe valvular heart disease usually require a heart valve transplant in order to restore the native valve’s vital unidirectional flow regulation. Therefore, artificial heart valve (AHV) research is of very high importance. Previous research studies have provided substantial input in the realm of AHV design relative to durability, thrombotic and hemolytic potential, and overall functionality. However, modifications continue to be warranted due to limitations in the accuracy and time efficiency of the in …
Arterial Waveform Measurement Using A Piezoelectric Sensor, Ruizhi Zhang
Arterial Waveform Measurement Using A Piezoelectric Sensor, Ruizhi Zhang
Theses and Dissertations
This study aims to develop a new method to monitor peripheral arterial pulse using a PVDF piezoelectric sensor. After comparing different locations of sensor placement, a specific sensor wrap for the finger was developed. Its composition, size, and location make it inexpensive and very convenient to use. In order to monitor the effectiveness of the sensor at producing a reliable pulse waveform, a monitoring system, including the PZT sensor, ECG, pulse-oximeter, respiratory sensor, and accelerometer was setup. Signal analysis from the system helped discover that the PZT waveform is relative to the 1st derivative of the artery pressure wave. Also, …
Real Time 3-D Tracking Of The High Dose Rate Radiation Source Using A Flat Panel Detector, Aditya Bondal
Real Time 3-D Tracking Of The High Dose Rate Radiation Source Using A Flat Panel Detector, Aditya Bondal
Theses and Dissertations
A number of QA procedures have been developed for Breast Brachytherapy treatments, yet none guarantee accurate dose delivery or allow conformation of the actual source position leading to errors sometimes going unnoticed. The objective of this study is to track the exact path the HDR source would follow in real time. The exit radiation of the HDR source was used to image a well defined matrix of markers. The images were acquired using FPD and were processed to obtain projection coordinates while an x-ray calibration image was processed to obtain marker coordinates. Each marker along with its projection represents a …
Eye Movements In Elite Athletes - An Index For Performance., Harshad Hegde
Eye Movements In Elite Athletes - An Index For Performance., Harshad Hegde
Theses and Dissertations
Introduction: In gymnastics, athletes perform twisting and flipping skills at high angular velocities. These athletes rely heavily on sensory information from the visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is responsible for stabilizing the visual field on the retina during head movement. To accomplish this, the eyes are reflexively moved in a direction opposite the head. In a twisting gymnast, this actually reduces the ability of gymnasts to see the landing during airborne skills. Hence it becomes necessary for the gymnasts to cancel or suppress their VOR in order to view the landing. Objective: The purpose of this …
Effect Of Mechanical Stimulation On Mesenchymal Stem Cell Seeded Cartilage Constructs, Karin Wartella
Effect Of Mechanical Stimulation On Mesenchymal Stem Cell Seeded Cartilage Constructs, Karin Wartella
Theses and Dissertations
Cartilage tissue engineered constructs using mesenchymal stem cells were stimulated with 3 different stimulation algorithms to achieve characteristics mimicking the superficial tangential zone of articular cartilage. The stimulation algorithm of both compression and tension without an offset had the best properties out of all the evaluated groups.
Synthesis And Characterization Of A Novel Amphiphilic Core-Corona Hyperbranched Polymer, Composed Of Ehmo And Ehmopeg, For Drug Delivery., Khushboo Sharma
Synthesis And Characterization Of A Novel Amphiphilic Core-Corona Hyperbranched Polymer, Composed Of Ehmo And Ehmopeg, For Drug Delivery., Khushboo Sharma
Theses and Dissertations
A novel amphiphilic core-corona hyperbranched polymer, composed of 3-ethyl-3-(hydroxylmethyl) oxetane (EHMO) and PEGylated EHMO (EHMOPEG), was synthesized through cationic ring opening polymerization. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the polymer structure and degree of branching. It was found that the degree of branching (DOB) of the polymer was affected by the weight % ratios of EHMO/EHMOPEG used in polymerization. As the weight % ratio of EHMO/ EHMOPEG decreased, the DOB was observed to increase. Polymeric particles based on the synthesized polymer were prepared using the O/W (Oil …
A Comparative Analysis Of Methods For Baseline Drift Removal In Preterm Infant Respiration Signals, Pallavi Ramnarain
A Comparative Analysis Of Methods For Baseline Drift Removal In Preterm Infant Respiration Signals, Pallavi Ramnarain
Theses and Dissertations
Breathing is a vital function intrinsic to the survival of any human being. In preterm infants it is an important indicator of maturation and feeding competency, which is a hallmark for hospital release. The recommended method of measurement of infant respiration is the use of thermistors. Accurate event detection within thermistor generated signals relies heavily upon effective noise reduction, specifically baseline drift removal. Baseline drift originates from several sensor-based factors, including thermistor placement within the sensor and in relation to the infant nares. This work compares four methods for baseline drift removal using the same event detection algorithm. The methods …
The Design And Validation Of A Novel Computational Simulation Of The Leg For The Investigation Of Injury, Disease, And Surgical Treatment, Joseph Iaquinto
The Design And Validation Of A Novel Computational Simulation Of The Leg For The Investigation Of Injury, Disease, And Surgical Treatment, Joseph Iaquinto
Theses and Dissertations
Computational modeling of joints and their function, a developing field, is becoming a significant health and wellness tool of our modern age. Due to familiarity of prior research focused on the lower extremity, a foot and ankle 3D computational model was created to explore the potential for these computational methods. The method of isolating CT scanned tissue and rendering a patient specific anatomy in the digital domain was accomplished by the use of MIMICS™ , SolidWorks™, and COSMOSMotion™ – all available in the commercial domain. The kinematics of the joints are driven solely by anatomically modeled soft tissue applied to …
Mineralization Potential Of Electrospun Pdo-Nha-Fibrinogen Scaffolds Intended For Cleft Palate Repair, Isaac Rodriguez
Mineralization Potential Of Electrospun Pdo-Nha-Fibrinogen Scaffolds Intended For Cleft Palate Repair, Isaac Rodriguez
Theses and Dissertations
The overall goal of this study was to identify mineralized scaffolds which can serve as potential alternatives to bone graft substitutes intended for cleft palate repair. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the role of fibrinogen (Fg) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) in enhancing mineralization potential of polydioxanone (PDO) electrospun scaffolds. Scaffolds were fabricated by blending PDO:nHA:Fg in the following weight ratios: 100:0:0, 50:25:25, 50:50:0, 50:0:50, 0:0:100 and 0:50:50. Scaffolds were immersed in different simulated body fluids for 5 and 14 days to induce mineralization. The inclusion of fibrinogen induced sheet-like mineralization while individual fiber mineralization was noticed in …
Electrophysiological Analysis In An Animal Model Of Dystonia, Kunal Chaniary
Electrophysiological Analysis In An Animal Model Of Dystonia, Kunal Chaniary
Theses and Dissertations
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by patterned, repetitive, and sustained muscle contractions that cause ineffective and often painful movements. The overall goal of this project was to understand the physiological mechanisms of dystonia in a rodent model as a basis for developing innovative treatments for secondary dystonias. The first half of the project was focused at developing essential techniques for systematically investigating the movement disorder in these animals. For achieving this, an innovative, multi-faceted approach was pursued starting with electromyographic (EMG) analysis for animal model validation, gait analysis for dystonia quantification, and development of a novel stereotaxic apparatus for …