Static Vascular Modeling Of Diabetes Progression,
2023
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Static Vascular Modeling Of Diabetes Progression, Andrea Skattenborg
Master's Theses
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in diabetic patients, and diabetes is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease result in structural and functional changes in the vascular wall. Arterial stiffness is a prominent structural change observed in the arterial wall that can be measured in clinical settings. The purpose of this thesis was to create a static model of the changes in arterial stiffness seen in diabetes. Elastic tubes with varying wall thicknesses were used to create artificial arteries for this purpose. Compliance (inverse of stiffness) of the arteries was determined …
Design And Validation Of A Wearable Smartsole For Continuous Detection Of Abnormal Gait,
2023
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Design And Validation Of A Wearable Smartsole For Continuous Detection Of Abnormal Gait, Karoline M. Wucherer
Master's Theses
Residual gait abnormalities are common following lower limb injury and/or stroke and can have several negative impacts on an individual’s life. Without continuous treatment and follow up, individuals can be prone to chronic pain as abnormal gait may lead to non-physiological loading of the musculoskeletal system. The current industry gold standard for diagnosing abnormal gait requires specialty equipment that is generally only available at designated gait facilities. Due to the inaccessibility and high cost associated with these facilities, a wearable SmartSole device to continuously detect abnormal gait was proposed. A previous iteration of the SmartSole was unable to properly detect …
Analytical Pipeline To Facilitate Electroencephalography Pain State Identification In Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain,
2023
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Analytical Pipeline To Facilitate Electroencephalography Pain State Identification In Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain, Emma Katharina Jacobs
Master's Theses
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) affects the quality of life of over 23% of American adults and places an immense burden on the economy.1–3 To more effectively diagnose and treat cLBP, quantitative biomarkers are needed to objectively measure pain and better identify the underlying mechanisms of cLBP. The overarching goal of this work is to create an analytical pipeline to investigate brain activity patterns measured with electroencephalogram (EEG) data of cLBP patients treated with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). The specific aims of this project are to 1) investigate whether there is a difference between baseline EEG measurements and …
Fully Coupled Fluid Structure Interaction Simulation Of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves: A Numerical And Experimental Analysis,
2023
University of Denver
Fully Coupled Fluid Structure Interaction Simulation Of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves: A Numerical And Experimental Analysis, Masod Sadipour
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Aortic stenosis impacts approximately 7% of the global population. In the past decade, the role of computational modeling has been becoming considerably important in the design of BHVs. To obtain reliable solutions in computational modeling, it is essential to consider accurate properties of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs), such as density and mechanical properties. Previous computational studies assumed (bovine pericardium) BP used in BHVs density was comparable to water or blood. Yet, BP is subjected to multiple treatments like fixation and anti-calcification. In Chapter 2, I measured BP density and its effect on BHV leaflet stress and strain. In the second …
Analysis Of Arterial Compliance Using A Surrogate Arm Bench Top Model For The Validation Of Oscillometric Blood Pressure Methods,
2023
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Analysis Of Arterial Compliance Using A Surrogate Arm Bench Top Model For The Validation Of Oscillometric Blood Pressure Methods, Christopher J. Cunningham
Master's Theses
A study was performed on a recently developed prototype of the Yong-Geddes surrogate arm design to collect compliance data of the various system components and determine the accuracy of measurements made through the bench top model. The study was performed to perceive the effectiveness of the model as a tool for validating non-invasive blood pressure detection monitors. Three stages of testing were performed to gather pressure and volume data from an artificial artery component, a sphygmomanometer, and the surrogate arm system to produce compliance estimations. Mathematical equations from supported arterial hemodynamics studies and clinical trials were applied to the pressure …
Microneedles For Wound Healing,
2023
Santa Clara University
Microneedles For Wound Healing, Maya Matheny, Maggie Dubus, Lily Eribes
Bioengineering Senior Theses
Microneedles are a virtually painless and minimally invasive transdermal delivery system comprised of an array of micron-sized needles that can be used to deliver cells, drugs, proteins, and vaccines. However, a major challenge to this delivery method is controlling puncture depth. To advance the microneedle landscape, our project aims to identify and characterize the biomechanical cues between a microneedle puncture and a hydrogel skin phantom for pre-clinical testing A stopper microneedle design that controlled puncture depth into the phantom skin model patch to 150μm was tested on millimeter-thick mold-casted alginate slabs. The hysteresis loop differs in the presence and absence …
Control Of The Electroporation Efficiency Of Nanosecond Pulses By Swinging The Electric Field Vector Direction,
2023
Old Dominion University
Control Of The Electroporation Efficiency Of Nanosecond Pulses By Swinging The Electric Field Vector Direction, Vitalii Kim, Iurii Semenov, Allen S. Kiester, Mark A. Keppler, Bennett L. Ibey, Joel N. Bixler, Ruben M. L. Colunga Biancatelli, Andrei G. Pakhomov
Bioelectrics Publications
Reversing the pulse polarity, i.e., changing the electric field direction by 180°, inhibits electroporation and electrostimulation by nanosecond electric pulses (nsEPs). This feature, known as “bipolar cancellation,” enables selective remote targeting with nsEPs and reduces the neuromuscular side effects of ablation therapies. We analyzed the biophysical mechanisms and measured how cancellation weakens and is replaced by facilitation when nsEPs are applied from different directions at angles from 0 to 180°. Monolayers of endothelial cells were electroporated by a train of five pulses (600 ns) or five paired pulses (600 + 600 ns) applied at 1 Hz or 833 kHz. Reversing …
Fate And Distribution Of Orally-Ingested Ceo2-Nanoparticles Based On A Mouse Model: Implication For Human Health,
2023
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Fate And Distribution Of Orally-Ingested Ceo2-Nanoparticles Based On A Mouse Model: Implication For Human Health, Xingmao Ma, Xiaoxuan Wang, Lei Xu, Honglan Shi, Hu Yang, Kerstin K. Landrock, Virender K. Sharma, Robert S. Chapkin
Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works
The use of nanoparticles in agrichemical formula and food products as additives has increased their chances of accumulation in humans via oral intake. Due to their potential toxicity, it is critical to understand their fate and distribution following oral intake. Cerium oxide nanoparticle (CeO2NP) is commonly used in agriculture and is highly stable in the environment. as such, it has been used as a model chemical to investigate nanoparticle's distribution and clearance. based on their estimated human exposure levels, 0.15–0.75 mg/kg body weight/day of CeO2NPs with different sizes and surface charges (30–50 nm with negative charge and <25 >nm with positive …
Bespoke Bicycle Enclosure,
2023
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Bespoke Bicycle Enclosure, Thomas Link, Kyle Mcafee, Marc Monier, Hunter Walden
Mechanical Engineering
Brian Higgins is an American veteran with retinitis pigmentosa who relies on cycling for transportation. The motivation for this project is to design and manufacture a refined prototype bicycle attachment to support him while biking in the rain and cold. The attachment will serve to enclose him for optimal protection from inclement weather, while maintaining sufficient mobility for daily cycling. Mr. Higgins’ bicycle is equipped with an attached sensor system which assists his visual impairment by using an ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, the attachment cannot adversely affect the function of the sensor system. The project timeline is set at approximately 7 …
Thermometer Servo Loop For Actuating Marine Permaculture,
2023
Santa Clara University
Thermometer Servo Loop For Actuating Marine Permaculture, Anna Gabriele, Connor Grady, Jeremiah Rufus, Illan Vargas
Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses
This project aimed to develop a system to improve the Climate Foundation’s (CF) existing Marine Permaculture (MP) technology in the Philippines. MP is the cultivation of seaweeds and other macroalgae on submerged structures in offshore ocean waters to support food security, carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration, and more. Current MP arrays feature a circular platform with substrate for seaweeds to grow on, manually raised and lowered by a winch on the above-surface control platform. The team designed the system to provide real-time temperature and pressure data sensing at depth, real-time platform-to-surface data transfer, real-time winch actuation, and data storage. The team …
Bruxism Biofeedback Device,
2023
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Bruxism Biofeedback Device, Claire A. Dossey, Errin S. Abasolo, Isabelle A. Starr
General Engineering
This paper aims to summarize the design process for a biofeedback bruxism device, covering the necessary background research, engineering requirements, design process, prototyping, manufacturing, and testing for the device. The purpose of this project was to design an engineering solution for the treatment of bruxism. This entails both measuring and significantly reducing clenching and grinding during sleep, as many current solutions may reduce symptoms of the disorder, but do not treat bruxism itself. Engineering requirements included biocompatibility, size and weight, electrical safety, and easy of use and comfort. Many design options were proposed, and a Pugh Matrix was used to …
Biomechanical Knee Joint For Exoskeleton,
2023
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Biomechanical Knee Joint For Exoskeleton, Gabriel Ireton Ahern, Calloway Miller, Christianna Altamura, Eric Mailes
Mechanical Engineering
Our senior design project consisted of designing and manufacturing a biomechanically accurate, actuated knee joint to be integrated into an exoskeleton being developed by the Lower Limb Exoskeleton Assist Project (LLEAP), a part of the EMPOWER student association at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. As the human knee flexes and extends throughout gait motion, the center of rotation changes. Currently marketed exoskeletons have one point of rotation, which over constrains the knee and causes misalignment between the user and the suit [1]. Our goal was to mimic natural knee joint motion by changing the center or rotation, thus reducing misalignment …
Patient Movement Monitoring Based On Imu And Deep Learning,
2023
University of Denver
Patient Movement Monitoring Based On Imu And Deep Learning, Mohsen Sharifi Renani
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability among the aging population in the United States and is frequently treated by replacing deteriorated joints with metal and plastic components. Developing better quantitative measures of movement quality to track patients longitudinally in their own homes would enable personalized treatment plans and hasten the advancement of promising new interventions. Wearable sensors and machine learning used to quantify patient movement could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. The purpose of this dissertation was to overcome technical challenges associated with the use of wearable sensors, specifically Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), as a …
Integrated Electrocoagulation, Ultrafiltration, Membrane Distillation, And Crystallization For Treating Produced Water,
2023
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Integrated Electrocoagulation, Ultrafiltration, Membrane Distillation, And Crystallization For Treating Produced Water, Mahmood Jebur, Yelyzaveta Bachynska, Xiaolei Hao, Sumith Ranil Wickramasinghe
Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations
Produced water (PW) generated from hydraulic fracturing operations was treated using an integrated electrocoagulation, ultrafiltration, membrane distillation, and crystallization process (EC UF MDC). The aim was to determine the viability of this integrated process for maximizing water recovery. The results obtained here indicate that optimizing the various unit operations could lead to increased recovery of PW. Membrane fouling limits all membrane separation processes. A pretreatment step to suppress fouling is essential. Here, removal of total suspended solids (TSS) and total organic carbon (TOC) was achieved by electrocoagulation (EC) followed by ultrafiltration (UF). The hydrophobic membrane used in membrane distillation may …
Clinical Utility Of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells In Regenerative Medicine And Cellular Therapy,
2023
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Clinical Utility Of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells In Regenerative Medicine And Cellular Therapy, Vitali V. Maldonado, Neel H. Patel, Emma E. Smith, C. Lowry Barnes, Michael P. Gustafson, Raj R. Rao, Rebekah M. Samsonraj
Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been carefully examined to have tremendous potential in regenerative medicine. With their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, MSCs have numerous applications within the clinical sector. MSCs have the properties of multilineage differentiation, paracrine signaling, and can be isolated from various tissues, which makes them a key candidate for applications in numerous organ systems. To accentuate the importance of MSC therapy for a range of clinical indications, this review highlights MSC-specific studies on the musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems where most trials are reported. Furthermore, an updated list of the different types of MSCs used in …
Neural Correlates Of Post-Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi) Attention Deficits In Children,
2023
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Neural Correlates Of Post-Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi) Attention Deficits In Children, Meng Cao
Dissertations
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children is a major public health concern worldwide. Attention deficits are among the most common neurocognitive and behavioral consequences in children post-TBI which have significant negative impacts on their educational and social outcomes and compromise the quality of their lives. However, there is a paucity of evidence to guide the optimal treatment strategies of attention deficit related symptoms in children post-TBI due to the lack of understanding regarding its neurobiological substrate. Thus, it is critical to understand the neural mechanisms associated with TBI-induced attention deficits in children so that more refined and tailored strategies can …
Motion-Resistant Pulse Oximetry,
2023
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Motion-Resistant Pulse Oximetry, Ludvik Alkhoury
Dissertations
The measurement of vital signs ? such as peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR) levels ? by a pulse oximeter is studied. The pulse oximeter is a non-invasive device that measures photoplethysmography (PPG) signals and extracts vital signs from them. However, the quality of the PPG signal measured by oximetry sensors is known to deteriorate in the presence of substantial human and sensor movements contributing to the measurement noise. Methods to suppress such noise from PPG signals measured by an oximeter and to calculate the associated vital signs with high accuracy even when the wearer …
Biomechanical And Psychophysical Underpinnings Of Balance Dysfunction In Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury,
2023
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Biomechanical And Psychophysical Underpinnings Of Balance Dysfunction In Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury, Naphtaly Ehrenberg
Dissertations
Falls are a major burden on healthcare infrastructure, especially in older adults and even more so in older individuals that are living in institutions. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2010 to 2020, unintentional falls were the leading cause of nonfatal emergency department visits for all age groups except among individuals from 15-24 years of age, where unintentional falls ranked a very close second to being unintentionally struck by or against. Among older individuals living in the community, approximately 30-35% fall at least once in a given year, and around three times as …
Development Of Non-Viral Nano-Carriers For Gene Delivery And Covid-19 Vaccines,
2023
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Development Of Non-Viral Nano-Carriers For Gene Delivery And Covid-19 Vaccines, Zhongyu Li
Dissertations
Gene therapy is one of the most promising medical fields with the potential to effectively advance the treatment of difficult diseases by producing therapeutic proteins or repairing defective gene sequences. However, gene therapy presents severe challenges in delivery including renal clearance, phagocytosis, enzymatic degradation, protein absorption, and cellular internalization barriers, which have been barriers for translation into the clinic. Naked nucleic acids, with their intrinsic negative charge, electrostatically repulse the anionic cell membrane, preventing cellular uptake. Also, they are considered foreign genetic material when introduced into the body and are rapidly cleared by the reticuloendothelial system or degraded by nucleases, …
Effects Of Noise Electrical Stimulation On Proprioception, Force Control, And Corticomuscular Functional Connectivity,
2023
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Effects Of Noise Electrical Stimulation On Proprioception, Force Control, And Corticomuscular Functional Connectivity, Li-Wei Chou, Shiang-Lin Hou, Hui-Min Lee, Felipe Fregni, Alice Yen, Vincent Chiun-Fan Chen, Shun-Hwa Wei, Chung-Lan Kao
Engineering Science Faculty Publications
Sensory afferent inputs play an important role in neuromuscular functions. Subsensory level noise electrical stimulation enhances the sensitivity of peripheral sensory system and improves lower extremity motor function. The current study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of noise electrical stimulation on proprioceptive senses and grip force control, and whether there are associated neural activities in the central nervous system. Fourteen healthy adults participated in 2 experiments on 2 different days. In day 1, participants performed grip force and joint proprioceptive tasks with and without (sham) noise electrical stimulation. In day 2, participants performed grip force steady hold task before …
