Pretreatment Of Scenedesmus Sp. Biomass As A Potential Anaerobic Digestion Substrate,
2014
University of Kentucky
Pretreatment Of Scenedesmus Sp. Biomass As A Potential Anaerobic Digestion Substrate, Xinyi E, Czarena Crofcheck
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications
Algal biomass can be a potential substrate for anaerobic digestion. However, raw algae cells show a resistance to biological degradation, resulting in a slower methane production rate. Varying thermal and chemical pretreatments of algal biomass were investigated in an attempt to increase soluble organic matter (SOM) yield, which would result in enhanced methane production during subsequent anaerobic digestion. Scenedesmus sp. was harvested using three different procedures: with flocculation, with flocculation and drying, and without flocculation or drying. For all pretreatments and algae types, fluorescence micrographs were obtained to visually confirm the degradation of the algal cell walls. A complete 2 …
Synergistic Toughening Of Hard, Nacre-Mimetic Mosi2 Coatings By Self-Assembled Hierarchical Structure,
2014
Edith Cowan University
Synergistic Toughening Of Hard, Nacre-Mimetic Mosi2 Coatings By Self-Assembled Hierarchical Structure, Jiang Xu, Xiaoli Zhao, Paul Munroe, Zonghan Xie
Research outputs 2014 to 2021
Like many other intermetallic materials, MoSi2 coatings are typically hard, but prone to catastrophic failure due to their low toughness at ambient temperature. In this paper, a self-assembled hierarchical structure that closely resembles that of nacre (i.e., mother of pearl) was developed in a MoSi2 -based coating through a simple, yet cost-effective, depostion technique. The newly formed coating is tough and can withstand multiple indentations at high loads. Key design features responsible for this remarkable outcome were identified. They include a functionally graded multilayer featuring elastic modulus oscillation, varying sublayer thickness and a columnar structure that are able to attenuate …
Characterizing The Resolvability Of Real Superluminescent Diode Sources For Application To Optical Coherence Tomography Using A Low Coherence Interferometry Model,
2014
Edith Cowan University
Characterizing The Resolvability Of Real Superluminescent Diode Sources For Application To Optical Coherence Tomography Using A Low Coherence Interferometry Model, Paul V. Jansz, Steven Richardson, Graham Wild, Steven Hinckley
Research outputs 2014 to 2021
The axial resolution is a critical parameter in determining whether optical coherent tomography (OCT) can be used to resolve specific features in a sample image. Typically, measures of resolution have been attributed to the light source characteristics only, including the coherence length and the point spread function (PSF) width of the OCT light sources. The need to cost effectively visualize the generated PSF and OCT cross-correlated interferogram (A-scan) using many OCT light sources have led to the extrinsic evolution of the OCT simulation model presented. This research indicated that empirical resolution in vivo, as well as depending on the light …
A Nonrigid Registration Method For Correcting Brain Deformation Induced By Tumor Resection,
2014
Old Dominion University
A Nonrigid Registration Method For Correcting Brain Deformation Induced By Tumor Resection, Yixun Liu, Chengjun Yao, Fotis Drakopoulos, Jinsong Wu, Liangfu Zhou, Nikos Chrisochoides
Computer Science Faculty Publications
Purpose: This paper presents a nonrigid registration method to align preoperative MRI with intraoperative MRI to compensate for brain deformation during tumor resection. This method extends traditional point-based nonrigid registration in two aspects: (1) allow the input data to be incomplete and (2) simulate the underlying deformation with a heterogeneous biomechanical model.
Methods: The method formulates the registration as a three-variable (point correspondence, deformation field, and resection region) functional minimization problem, in which point correspondence is represented by a fuzzy assign matrix; Deformation field is represented by a piecewise linear function regularized by the strain energy of a heterogeneous biomechanical …
Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (Platelet Gel): An Appropriate Intervention For Salvaging Cardiac Myocytes Under Oxidative Stress After Myocardial Infarction,
2014
Old Dominion University
Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (Platelet Gel): An Appropriate Intervention For Salvaging Cardiac Myocytes Under Oxidative Stress After Myocardial Infarction, Barbara Y. Hargrave
Bioelectrics Publications
Background: The prompt restoration of blood flow (reperfusion) to the ischemic myocardium after an acute myocardial infarction is critical to the survival of non damaged heart tissue. However, reperfusion is responsible for additional myocardial damage. Our objective was to investigate the role of autologous platelet rich plasma or platelet gel prepared using nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) in improving left ventricular mechanical function after ischemic reperfusion.
Methods: The hearts of nine adult female New Zealand White rabbits were perfused using the Langendorff model. The hearts were exposed to global ischemia for 30 min and reperfused for 60 min. The hearts …
Information Literacy Skills As A Critical Thinking Framework In The Undergraduate Engineering Curriculum,
2014
Wayne State University
Information Literacy Skills As A Critical Thinking Framework In The Undergraduate Engineering Curriculum, James E. Van Loon, Heather L. Lai
Library Scholarly Publications
Information Literacy (IL) instruction embedded into the engineering design curriculum can provide a framework for the development of critical thinking skills which are essential for students to master to solve open-ended engineering problems. At Wayne State University, a lecturer in biomedical engineering (BME) and a science librarian are collaborating in an ongoing effort to integrate IL instruction into the BME undergraduate design curriculum. The paper will provide a vision and rationale for integrating IL instruction into the engineering design curriculum, and discuss aspects of the Wayne State effort to effect this integration. A review of the place of critical thinking …
Neuroimage Analysis Of Traumatic Brain Injury In Human Patients,
2014
Wayne State University
Neuroimage Analysis Of Traumatic Brain Injury In Human Patients, Hardik Doshi
Wayne State University Theses
CEREBRAL HEMODYNAMIC CHANGES IN MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AT THE ACUTE STAGE
by
Hardik J. Doshi
May 2014
Advisor: Dr. Zhifeng Kou
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Degree: Master of Science
There are more than 1.7 million reported traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases every year in the United States alone. Out of all these, more than 85% are mild TBI (mTBI) and it has significant socio-economic impacts. The motivation towards this study is to measure changes in the arterial cerebral blood flow (CBF) and venous oxygen saturation by combining Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) and Susceptibility Weighted Imaging and Mapping (SWIM) techniques and …
Bioengineered Hearts,
2014
Touro College
Bioengineered Hearts, Rivky Loeb
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Heart disease is one of the highest causes for fatality in the world. Although many such diseases can be treated by a heart transplant, this in itself can cause countless problems. Aside from the high demand for donor hearts, there is the risk of the patient’s immune system rejecting the transplanted heart. A bioengineered heart would reduce the need for donor hearts, and thus save countless lives. Finding a suitable scaffold, obtaining appropriate cells, and ensuring that the tissue will function properly are the main focuses in creating an artificial heart. While most of the studies done have been concentrated …
Inorganic Biodegradable Devices For Temporary Implants,
2014
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Inorganic Biodegradable Devices For Temporary Implants, Kassan Unda
Masters Theses
"Implantable electronic devices have great potential to benefit many health care technologies. They comprise of two different categories. The first is permanent prosthetic devices like cardiac pacemakers or nerve stimulants. The other category includes temporary devices for interventional medical monitoring and control scenarios, which lose functionality and become unnecessary after their intended operational lifetime. This can cause serious electromagnetic and biomechanical safety concerns if not removed from the body by an additional surgical operation.
This thesis focuses on exploring the feasibility of implantable inorganic bioresorbable thin film resistive devices utilizing bioactive glass as the core structural material. This device will …
Human Cardiovascular Responses To Artificial Gravity Variables: Ground-Based Experimentation For Spaceflight Implementation,
2014
University of Kentucky
Human Cardiovascular Responses To Artificial Gravity Variables: Ground-Based Experimentation For Spaceflight Implementation, Mark Howarth
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
One countermeasure to cardiovascular spaceflight deconditioning being tested is the application of intermittent artificial gravity provided by centripetal acceleration of a human via centrifuge. However, artificial gravity protocols have not been optimized for the cardiovascular system, or any other physiological system for that matter. Before artificial gravity protocols can be optimized for the cardiovascular system, cardiovascular responses to the variables of artificial gravity need to be quantified.
The research presented in this document is intended to determine how the artificial gravity variables, radius (gravity gradient) and lower limb exercise, affect cardiovascular responses during centrifugation. Net fluid (blood) shifts between body …
Development Of A Moldable Composite Bone Graft Substitute Releasing Antibacterial And Osteogenic Drugs,
2014
University of Kentucky
Development Of A Moldable Composite Bone Graft Substitute Releasing Antibacterial And Osteogenic Drugs, Matthew E. Brown
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
Large infected bone defects (IBD) are very complicated to treat due to their high variability; they often require multiple procedures. Bone autografts are the gold standard for treatment but have several drawbacks, such as a need for a second surgery site, limited grafting material, and donor site morbidity. The objective of this research was to develop a moldable synthetic bone grafting material capable of releasing both antimicrobial and osteogenic drugs over a clinically relevant time course for the treatment of IBDs. Current treatment methods for large IBDs require two separate procedures to treat the bone defect and the infection.
This …
The Study Of Trunk Mechanical And Neuromuscular Behaviors,
2014
University of Kentucky
The Study Of Trunk Mechanical And Neuromuscular Behaviors, Brian D. Koch
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
Low back pain (LBP) is a common ailment in the United States, affecting up to 80% of adults at least once in their lifetime. Although 90% of LBP cases are considered nonspecific, recent studies show that abnormal mechanics of the lower back can be a major factor. One method of assessing the lower back mechanical environment is through perturbation experiments. An intensive literature review of perturbation systems was used to select and develop a system for the Human Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Lab (HMBL). Following construction, individuals with high/low exposure to day-long physical activity were assessed to quantify daily changes in their …
Stabilization Of Extended Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy Measurements On In Vivo Human Skeletal Muscle During Dynamic Exercise,
2014
University of Kentucky
Stabilization Of Extended Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy Measurements On In Vivo Human Skeletal Muscle During Dynamic Exercise, Brad A. Henry
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
This research investigates various applications of diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) on in-vivo human muscle tissue, both at rest and during dynamic exercise. Previously suspected muscle tissue relative blood flow (rBF) baseline shift during extended measurement with DCS and DCS-Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) hybrid optical systems are verified, quantified, and resolved by redesign of optical probe and alteration in optical probe attachment methodology during 40 minute supine bed rest baseline measurements. We then translate previously developed occlusion techniques, whereby rBF and relative oxygen consumption rV̇O2 are calibrated to initial resting absolute values by use of a venous occlusion (VO) and …
Bioerodible Calcium Sulfate Bone Grafting Substitutes With Tailored Drug Delivery Capabilities,
2014
University of Kentucky
Bioerodible Calcium Sulfate Bone Grafting Substitutes With Tailored Drug Delivery Capabilities, Bryan R. Orellana
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
Bone regeneration or augmentation is often required prior to or concomitant with implant placement. With the limitations of many existing technologies, a biologically compatible synthetic bone grafting substitute that is osteogenic, bioerodible, and provides spacing-making functionality while acting as a drug delivery vehicle for bioactive molecules could provide an alternative to ‘gold standard’ techniques.
In the first part of this work, calcium sulfate (CS) space-making synthetic bone grafts with uniformly embedded poly(β-amino ester) (PBAE) biodegradable hydrogel particles was developed to allow controlled release of bioactive agents. The embedded gel particles’ influence on the physical and chemical characteristics of CS was …
Mucoadhesive Films For Treatment Of Local Oral Disorders: Development, Characterization And In Vivo Testing,
2014
University of Kentucky
Mucoadhesive Films For Treatment Of Local Oral Disorders: Development, Characterization And In Vivo Testing, Sandeep K. Ramineni
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
Mucoadhesive drug delivery systems which are being used from 1980’s to avoid first pass metabolism of drugs, commercially exist for only systemic drug delivery with fast erosion times (15-60 min), that may not be appropriate for local oral disorders. The goal of this research was to develop and characterize mucoadhesive films with flexibility of carrying different drugs and proteins and provide sustained release for local treatment of oral disorders.
Mucoadhesive films composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and carboxymethlycellulose (CMC) were formulated with imiquimod, an immune response modifier. Problems such as solubilization of imiquimod to increase drug loading, uniformity in films and …
Relationships Of Long-Term Bisphosphonate Treatment With Measures Of Bone Microarchitecture And Mechanical Competence,
2014
University of Kentucky
Relationships Of Long-Term Bisphosphonate Treatment With Measures Of Bone Microarchitecture And Mechanical Competence, Jonathan Joseph Ward
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
Oral bisphosphonate drug therapy is a common and effective treatment for osteoporosis. Little is known about the long-term effects of bisphosphonates on bone quality. This study examined the structural and mechanical properties of trabecular bone following 0-16 years of bisphosphonate treatment. Fifty-three iliac crest bone samples of Caucasian women diagnosed with low turnover osteoporosis were identified from the Kentucky Bone Registry. Forty-five were treated with oral bisphosphonates for 1 to 16 years while eight were treatment naive. A section of trabecular bone was chosen from a micro-computed tomography (Scanco µCT 40) scan of each sample for a uniaxial linearly elastic …
Additives To Control Mechanical Properties And Drug Delivery Of Injectable Polymeric Scaffolds,
2014
University of Kentucky
Additives To Control Mechanical Properties And Drug Delivery Of Injectable Polymeric Scaffolds, Paul Fisher
Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering
In situ forming implants (ISIs) are popular due to their ease of use and local drug delivery potential, but they suffer from high initial drug burst, and release behavior is tied closely to solvent exchange and polymer properties. Additionally, such systems are traditionally viewed purely as drug delivery devices rather than potential scaffold materials due to their poor mechanical properties and minimal porosity. The aim of this research was to develop an injectable ISI with drug release, mechanical, and microstructural properties controlled by micro- and nanoparticle additives.
First, an injectable ISI was developed with appropriate drug release kinetics for orthopedic …
Theoretical And Experimental Investigations To Improve The Performance Of Surface Acoustic Wave (Saw) Biosensors,
2014
University of South Florida
Theoretical And Experimental Investigations To Improve The Performance Of Surface Acoustic Wave (Saw) Biosensors, Mandek Richardson
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this dissertation is to improve the performance of surface acoustic wave (SAW) biosensors for use in point-of-care-testing (POCT) applications. SAW biosensors have the ability to perform fast, accurate detection of an analyte in real time without the use of labels. However, the technology suffers from the inability to differentiate between specific and non-specific binding. Due to this limitation, direct testing of bodily fluids using SAW sensors to accurately determine an analyte's concentration is difficult. In addition, these sensors are challenged by the need to detect small concentrations of a biomarker that are typically required to give a …
Utilizing Dielectrophoresis To Determine The Physiological Differences Of Eukaryotic Cells,
2014
Michigan Technological University
Utilizing Dielectrophoresis To Determine The Physiological Differences Of Eukaryotic Cells, Tayloria Nicole Gail Adams
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open
Type 1 diabetes affects over 108,000 children, and this number is steadily increasing. Current insulin therapies help manage the disease but are not a cure. Over a child’s lifetime they can develop kidney disease, blindness, cardiovascular disease and many other issues due to the complications of type 1 diabetes. This autoimmune disease destroys beta cells located in the pancreas, which are used to regulate glucose levels in the body. Because there is no cure and many children are affected by the disease there is a need for alternative therapeutic options that can lead to a cure.
Human mesenchymal stem cells …
A Backing Device Based On An Embedded Stiffener And Retractable Insertion Tool For Thin-Film Cochlear Arrays,
2014
Michigan Technological University
A Backing Device Based On An Embedded Stiffener And Retractable Insertion Tool For Thin-Film Cochlear Arrays, Radheshyam Tewari
Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open
Intracochlear trauma from surgical insertion of bulky electrode arrays and inadequate pitch perception are areas of concern with current hand-assembled commercial cochlear implants. Parylene thin-film arrays with higher electrode densities and lower profiles are a potential solution, but lack rigidity and hence depend on manually fabricated permanently attached polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tubing based bulky backing devices. As a solution, we investigated a new backing device with two sub-systems. The first sub-system is a thin poly(lactic acid) (PLA) stiffener that will be embedded in the parylene array. The second sub-system is an attaching and detaching mechanism, utilizing a poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)-block-poly(d,l-lactide) (PVP-b-PDLLA) copolymer-based …
