Engineering Commons^™

Population Fit Threshold: Fully Automated Signal Map Generation For Baseline Correction In Nmr-Based Metabolomics, Daniel C. Homer

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Baseline correction of NMR-based metabolomic spectra is a key step in data processing to elucidate biomarkers of diseased and toxic states. Automated baseline correction methods often use human-selected parameters. Presented is a method for automated baseline correction using parameters selected from and without manipulation of the spectrum. The focus is on generating an accurate signal map based on the differentiating characteristics of baseline noise and signal. The presented method of signal map generation and baseline correction was developed and tested on 13C and 1H NMR spectra. The spectra were as simple as chemical standards containing less than 25 signal peaks …

Radio Frequency Controlled Stimulation Of Intracellular Gold Or Silver Nanoparticle Conjugates For Use As Potential Sensors Or Modulators Of Biological Function, Richard Craig Murdock

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The objective of this investigation was to further explore the ability of a radio frequency (RF) signal to interact with metal nanoparticles (NPs) for the purposes of remote stimulation or control of cellular processes. Gold and silver NPs have shown the ability to be heated by electromagnetic frequencies, especially for the purpose of deactivating abnormal cells. However, the heating of the NPs in these previous studies was constant and uncontrolled. For this study, our hypothesis was by investigating the RF heating characteristics of NPs and its impact on surface functionalizations, a remotely stimulated control mechanism can be developed at the …

A Biomechanical Comparison Of Locking Compression Plate Constructs With Plugs/Screws In Osteoporotic Bone Model, Krishna P. Desai

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Locking compression plates are proven to be safe for use in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) especially in osteoporotic bones. Because of various combinations of holes, the system provides more options for clinicians to use either locking screws or non-locking screws. This clinical research introduces screw like plugs which can be used along with the screws in case of locking compression plates. Experimental work was performed to determine the effectiveness of the plugs. The results showed that there is not a significant difference between the groups which used plugs and did not use the plugs, both in case of …

Finding Cadaveric Human Head Masses And Center Of Gravity: A Comparison Of Direct Measurement To 3d Ing, Grant Corwin Roush

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Mass properties of the human head are critical elements in developing neck injury threshold criteria in acceleration and impact environments. In order to accurately simulate the dynamics of the head in impact and acceleration environments, valid mass properties data for the human head must exist.

The purpose of this study was two-fold: First, to directly measure and generate a useful data set of human head mass properties and anthropometry, and second, compare the results from the direct measurement to measurements obtained using computed tomographic (CT) analyses of the human head. Four cadaveric human heads, all male, were measured.

For the …

Computer-Based Skeletal Age Assessment Using Hand/Wrist Radiographs In Children 8-18 Years Old, Zhihong Ni

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Children's skeletons mature at different rates, and they can be affected by a variety of factors including disease, hormone imbalance or genetics. The assessment of skeletal maturity is a frequently performed procedure that allows the detection of hormonal, growth or genetic disorders. Several methods have been developed to estimate skeletal maturity. Most methods evaluate hand/wrist radiographs using indicators such as the ratios of various bone widths, the onset of the ossification of epiphysis and epiphyseal-diaphyseal fusion. Among those methods, the FELS method differs from others in the application of different grades to each indicator and the provision of a confidence …

Characterization And Improvement Of A Cone-Beam Ct Scanner For Quantitative Imaging, Jimish Dilip Joshi

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Computed tomography (CT) has various applications in different fields. In our case, the cone-beam CT scanner is used in the industrial field for qualitative and quantitative assessment of Procter and Gamble products. The Flash CT scanner, on which we do our research, has a microfocus x-ray tube, a detector size of 30 cm x 40 cm and a rotating stage for the object to be imaged. The x-ray tube can be operated up to 225 kV. Non-linearities in the response of the detector, scatter and beam hardening may cause false interpretations of the image values. To allow appropriate assessment of …