Radiation Therapy And Dosing Material Transport Methodology,
2016
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Radiation Therapy And Dosing Material Transport Methodology, Robert O'Brien
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
A technique is examined here that utilizes high energy beta decays from a short lived radioisotope to treat medical conditions such as shallow cancerous lesions. A major benefit of beta particle interaction in tissue is a fixed penetration depth for the charged particle, with dose limited to the ultimate range of the beta particle. This method improves on some current techniques of radioactive brachytherapy, where "seeds" are placed inside patients through temporary or permanent implantation in order to kill cancerous cells or inhibit growth of tissue. The use of low energy gamma-rays is the most common method of treatment currently …
The Effects Of Cryopreservation On Human Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells,
2016
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Effects Of Cryopreservation On Human Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Allison Elaine Tomlin
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Many studies have demonstrated clinical applications for the use of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) for the treatment of various conditions. This has driven medical and scientific interest in the collection, isolation and banking of DPSC tissues for research into these potential therapies. Few studies to date have evaluated the viability of DPSC following long-term cryopreservation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of cryopreservation on dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSC) viability over a period of three years. Dental pulp-derived stem cells were isolated and cultured from thirty-one healthy teeth. DPSC isolates were assessed for doubling-time and …
Psychophysiological Analysis Of A Pedagogical Agent And Robotic Peer For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders.,
2016
University of Louisville
Psychophysiological Analysis Of A Pedagogical Agent And Robotic Peer For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders., Mohammad Nasser Saadatzi
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by ongoing problems in social interaction and communication, and engagement in repetitive behaviors. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 68 children in the United States has ASD. Mounting evidence shows that many of these individuals display an interest in social interaction with computers and robots and, in general, feel comfortable spending time in such environments. It is known that the subtlety and unpredictability of people’s social behavior are intimidating and confusing for many individuals with ASD. Computerized learning environments and robots, however, prepare a predictable, …
Design Of A Flexible Control Platform And Miniature In Vivo Robots For Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgeries,
2016
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Design Of A Flexible Control Platform And Miniature In Vivo Robots For Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgeries, Lou P. Cubrich
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Minimally-invasive laparoscopic procedures have proven efficacy for a wide range of surgical procedures as well as benefits such as reducing scarring, infection, recovery time, and post-operative pain. While the procedures have many advantages, there are significant shortcomings such as limited instrument motion and reduced dexterity. In recent years, robotic surgical technology has overcome some of these limitations and has become an effective tool for many types of surgeries. These robotic platforms typically have an increased workspace, greater dexterity, improved ergonomics, and finer control than traditional laparoscopic methods. This thesis presents the designs of both a four degree-of-freedom (DOF) and 5-DOF …
A Prototype Bioreactor Incubation System Designed To Improve Cell Response Modeling In Microgravity,
2016
University of Alabama in Huntsville
A Prototype Bioreactor Incubation System Designed To Improve Cell Response Modeling In Microgravity, Greg Duke, Ryan Longchamps, Azita Amiri
Von Braun Symposium Student Posters
No abstract provided.
Surface Engineering Of Titanium Alloy To Stimulate The Bone Regeneration,
2016
Tianjin University
Surface Engineering Of Titanium Alloy To Stimulate The Bone Regeneration, Yubin Meng, Zhenduo Cui, Zhaoyang Li, Xue Li, Jin Zhao, Xubo Yuan, Xianjin Yang
The 8th International Conference on Physical and Numerical Simulation of Materials Processing
No abstract provided.
A Fourier Description Of Covariance, And Separation Of Simultaneously Encoded Slices With In-Plane Acceleration In Fmri,
2016
Marquette University
A Fourier Description Of Covariance, And Separation Of Simultaneously Encoded Slices With In-Plane Acceleration In Fmri, Mary C. Kociuba
Dissertations (1934 -)
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies aim to identify localized neural regions associated with a cognitive task performed by the subject. An indirect measure of the brain activity is the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations observed within the complex-valued spatial frequencies measured over time. The standard practice in fMRI is to discard the phase information after image reconstruction, even with evidence of biological task-related change in the phase time-series. In the first aim of this dissertation, a complex-valued time-series covariance is derived as a linear combination of second order temporal Fourier frequency coefficients. As opposed to magnitude-only analysis, …
Evaluation Of An Actuated Wrist Orthosis For Use In Assistive Upper Extremity Rehabilitation,
2016
Marquette University
Evaluation Of An Actuated Wrist Orthosis For Use In Assistive Upper Extremity Rehabilitation, Devon Holley
Master's Theses (2009 -)
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by damage to motor control centers of the brain. This leads to physical and cognitive deficiencies that can reduce an individual’s quality of life. Specifically, motor deficiencies of the upper extremity can make it difficult for an individual to complete everyday tasks, including eating, drinking, getting dressed, or combing their hair. Physical therapy, involving repetitive tasks, has been shown to be effective in training normal motion of the limb by invoking the neuroplasticity of the brain and its ability to adapt in order to facilitate motor learning. Creating a device for use …
A 3-D Multiplex Paper-Microfluidic Platform,
2016
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
A 3-D Multiplex Paper-Microfluidic Platform, Mitchell Patrick Young
Master's Theses
3-D paper-based microfluidic devices (micoPADs) are small and portable devices made out of paper that offer a promising platform for diagnostic applications outside of a laboratory. These devices are easy to use, low cost, require no power source, and capable of detecting multiple targets simultaneously. The work in this thesis demonstrated the ability of a 3-D paper-microfluidic platform to simultaneously detect 5 targets. Rubber cord stock was used in conjunction with an acrylic housing unit to apply pressure along the edge of the channel. The indirect pressure application was successful in promoting vertical fluid flow between layers. Average channel development …
Materials And Techniques Used In Cranioplasty Fixation: A Review,
2016
Missourui University of Science and Technology
Materials And Techniques Used In Cranioplasty Fixation: A Review, Basel A. Khader, Mark R. Towler
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Cranioplasty is the surgical repair of a deficiency or deformity of the skull. The purpose of cranioplasty is to provide protection for the brain following cranial surgery, and to offer relief to psychological disadvantages while increasing social performance. There are several materials that had been used for cranioplasty, but an ideal product has yet to be developed, hence the ongoing research into biologic and non-biologic alternatives to the existing materials. This article critiques the products currently used for cranioplasty in order to facilitate the development of new materials, which can improve patient outcomes.
Continuous Isolation Of Monocytes Using A Magnetophoretic-Based Microfluidic Chip,
2016
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Continuous Isolation Of Monocytes Using A Magnetophoretic-Based Microfluidic Chip, Jeff Darabi, Chuan Guo
SIUE Faculty Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity
Monocytes play an important role in the immune system and are responsible for phagocytizing and degrading foreign microorganisms in the body. The isolation of monocytes is important in various immunological applications such as in-vitro culture of dendritic cells. We present a magnetophoretic-based microfluidic chip for rapid isolation of highly purified, untouched monocytes from human blood by a negative selection method. This bioseparation platform integrates several unique features into a microfluidic device, including locally engineered magnetic field gradients and a continuous flow with a buffer switching scheme to improve the performance of the cell separation process. The results indicate high monocyte …
A Proposal For A Wirelessly Powered, Implantable Pressure Sensor And Neural Stimulator For The Control Of Urinary Incontinence,
2016
Purdue University
A Proposal For A Wirelessly Powered, Implantable Pressure Sensor And Neural Stimulator For The Control Of Urinary Incontinence, Robert N. Tucker, Christopher J. Quinkert, Pedro P. Irazoqui
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
47 to 53 percent of women over the age of 20 suffer from urinary incontinence, often caused by childbirth-related damage to the pelvic nerve. This uncertainty of when bladder voiding will occur causes social anxiety and can compromise quality of life. This study explores one method to restore the ability to sense the need to urinate and prevent unwanted voiding. We propose a device to measure pressure due to bladder content as the difference between pressure in the bladder and pressure in the abdominal cavity. Integrated circuits, biocompatible packaging, and wireless radiofrequency powering allow for a fully implantable device to …
Development Of Micro-/Nano-Architectures For Intracellular Sensing Platform,
2016
Purdue University
Development Of Micro-/Nano-Architectures For Intracellular Sensing Platform, Ryan M. Preston, Dae Seung Wie, Chi Hwan Lee
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Currently available nanotechnologies are capable of creating various nanostructures in controlled dimensions such as particles (0D), wires (1D), membranes (2D), and cubes (3D) by exploiting “top-down” or “bottom-up” methods. However, there exist limitations to systematically construct hierarchical nanostructures with geometric complexities. This study is focused on developing a novel nanofabrication strategy that can rationally produce a set of hierarchical nanostructures configured with precisely engineered facets, tip shapes, and tectonic motifs. We aim to identify a collection of optimal materials, array layouts, basic components, and nanofabrication techniques for the production of hierarchical nanostructures by exploiting device-grade semiconducting silicon materials. To accomplish …
Lipid Detection In Pig Arteries Using Intravascular Photoacoustic Imaging,
2016
Purdue University
Lipid Detection In Pig Arteries Using Intravascular Photoacoustic Imaging, Jieying Mai, Yingchun Cao, Ayeeshik Kole, Michael Sturek, Ji-Xin Cheng
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Each year over 370,000 people died from coronary artery disease in America. As the primary form of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis behaves as lipid-rich plaque development inside an artery wall. Vulnerable plaques are those prone to rupture, which may result in thrombus or even death. Typical hallmarks of a vulnerable plaque include thin fibrous cap, a large lipid-rich necrotic core and inflammatory infiltrate. The identification and accurate detection of these lipid depositions in the arterial wall is crucial in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. However, none of …
Pathway By Which Vagus Nerve Stimulation Of B Fibers Affects Heart Rate,
2016
Purdue University
Pathway By Which Vagus Nerve Stimulation Of B Fibers Affects Heart Rate, Kelsey Wasilczuk, Matthew Ward, Pedro Irazoqui
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Heart failure (HF) affects over 5 million adults in the United States. Many HF patients have a high resting heart rate, which is correlated with a high mortality rate. In recent years, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become an increasingly researched therapy to reduce the resting heart rate of HF patients. However, current dosage given during VNS is increased incrementally at the doctor’s office until side effects present themselves in a patient. In addition, the means by which the therapy works is not completely understood. To better understand the therapy’s mechanisms, the right cervical vagus nerve of several Long Evans …
Characterization Of Left-Ventricular Thrombus Formation Using High Frequency Ultrasound,
2016
Purdue University
Characterization Of Left-Ventricular Thrombus Formation Using High Frequency Ultrasound, Kelsey A. Bullens, Arvin H. Soepriatna, Pavlos P. Vlachos, Craig J. Goergen
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Heart failure is a leading cause of death in the United States, and cardiac thrombus, a common morbidity associated with heart failure, significantly increases a patient’s risk of embolic events. The objective of this project is to characterize left-ventricular (LV) thrombus development using high frequency ultrasound imaging in a murine model. C57BL/6J wild-type mice (n=6) were injected intraperitoneally with iron dextran five times a week for six weeks to increase oxidative stress in the heart. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was subcutaneously injected daily during the second week to initiate stem cell migration and stimulate endothelial cell activation, thus increasing the …
Activity Of Protein Kinase A Attached To Magnetic Beads,
2016
Purdue University
Activity Of Protein Kinase A Attached To Magnetic Beads, Kevin P. Lin, Tamara L. Kinzer-Ursem, Mrugesh K. Parasa
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Development of high throughput assays is a crucial step in developing more efficient techniques that aid in many important areas of research today such as drug development or identification of protein structure function relationships. Integration of high throughput assays into more research efforts could drastically decrease the time and cost it takes for a new drug to hit the market. Protein Kinase A (PKA) is an extensively studied protein as it is highly upregulated in cancer and is a hot spot for drug targeting. In this work, azide-tagged PKA is covalently attached to magnetic beads using azide-alkyne cycloaddition, a well-known …
Mechanical Reliability Of Implantable Polyimide-Based Magnetic Microactuators For Biofouling Removal,
2016
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Mechanical Reliability Of Implantable Polyimide-Based Magnetic Microactuators For Biofouling Removal, Christian G. Figueroa-Espada, Qi Yang, Hyowon Lee
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder that typically requires a long-term implantation of a shunt system to manage its symptoms. These shunt systems are notorious for their extremely high failure rate. More than 40% of all implanted shunt systems fail within the first year of implantation. On average, 85% of all hydrocephalus patients with shunt systems undergo at least two shunt-revision surgeries within 10 years of implantation. A large portion of this high failure rate can be attributed to biofouling-related obstructions and infections. Previously, we developed flexible polyimide-based magnetic microactuators to remove obstructions formed on hydrocephalus shunts. To test the long-term …
Stimuli Responsive Fluidics Controls On A Paper-Based Bacterial Detection Platform,
2016
Purdue University
Stimuli Responsive Fluidics Controls On A Paper-Based Bacterial Detection Platform, Siyu Zhao, Elizabeth Phillips, Jacqueline Linnes
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium
Infectious diseases are the leading causes of death around the world. Point-of-care devices using nucleic acid amplification are sensitive enough to diagnose these diseases, however, often require complex and time-intensive sample preparation steps that are not integrated with the detection process. A rapid, sensitive, and integrated sample-to-result diagnostic device will permit disease treatment planning at the point-of-care. Paper-based detection assays are a promising platform to integrate the sample preparation and detection, with minimal infrastructure, equipment, and user involvement. To integrate sample preparation with detection on paper-based assays, timing and delivery of sample fluid flow needs to be controlled. Here we …
Fluid Flow Characterization And In Silico Validation In A Rapid Prototyped Aortic Arch Model,
2016
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Fluid Flow Characterization And In Silico Validation In A Rapid Prototyped Aortic Arch Model, Alexandra Mariel Knauer
Master's Theses
Transcatheter aortic heart valve replacement (TAVR) is a procedure to replace a failing aortic valve and is becoming the new standard of care for patients that are not candidates for open-heart surgery [2]. However, this minimally invasive technique has shown to cause ischemic brain lesions, or “silent infarcts”, in 90% of TAVR patients, which can increase the patient’s risk for stroke by two to four times in future years [3]. Claret Medical Inc., a medical device company, has developed a cerebral protection system that filters and captures embolic debris released during endovascular procedures, such as TAVR. This thesis utilized CT …
