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Raman Spectroscopic Modeling Of T- Lymphocyte Activation And Detection Of Acute Renal Allograft Rejection, Kristian L. Brown

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC MODELING OF T-LYMPHOCYTE ACTIVATION AND DETECTION OF ACUTE RENAL ALLOGRAFT REJECTION

By

KRISTIAN L. BROWN

2010

Advisor: Gregory Auner, PhD

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Despite the advances made in the area of kidney transplantation, the disparity between the demand and available donated organs remains a dominant and unresolved issue. Given the paucity of available renal allografts the preservation of existing grafts is vital. One factor that has negatively impacted renal allograft survival is acute rejection (AR). Traditionally, kidney transplant centers have used elevations in serum creatinine as a screening tool for detecting AR. However, …

Numerical And Analytical Verification Of A Multiscale Computational Model For Impact Problems In Heterogeneous Viscoelastic Materials With Evolving Damage, Bruno Bachiega Araujo

Department of Engineering Mechanics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Composites are engineered materials that take advantage of the particular properties of each of its two or more constituents. They are designed to be stronger, lighter and to last longer which can lead to the creation of safer protection gear, more fuel efficient transportation methods and more affordable materials, among other examples.

This thesis proposes a numerical and analytical verification of an in-house developed multiscale model for predicting the mechanical behavior of composite materials with various configurations subjected to impact loading. This verification is done by comparing the results obtained with analytical and numerical solutions with the results found when …

What About The Children? Benjamin And Arendt: On Education, Work, And The Political, Jules Simon

Departmental Papers (Philosophy)

This article is a rough draft of an article that I contributed to an edited volume of articles dealing with progressive education theory. I reflect on articles that Hannah Arendt and Walter Benjamin wrote that deal with educational reform and innovation, both political in nature.

Kitab Al-Hadaya Wa Al-Tuhaf: A Unique Window On Islamic Textiles, Wendy Landry

Textile Society of America: Symposium Proceedings

During the first millennium, a rare kind of literature evolved in the Islamic world that provides a fascinating window on the interest and importance of material objects. A unique example of this literature, entitled Kitab al-Hadaya wa al-Tuhaf [Book of Gifts and Rarities] was translated into English, annotated and published in 1996 by Kuwaiti curator and scholar Ghada al Hijjawi al-Qaddumi. It is an anthology of anecdotes referring to the period between the sixth century and the twelfth century, probably compiled in the late twelfth century by an official in the Islamic Egyptian government.

Although the historical veracity of the …

Novel Animal Model And In Vivo Imaging System To Study Inflammatory Response-Mediated Cancer Metastasis, Cheng-Yu Ko

Bioengineering Dissertations - Archive

Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. A vast majority of cancer-related mortality is attributed to this rather than the primary tumor itself, making the understanding of cancer metastasis critically important. Inflammatory responses have been implicated to play an important role in cancer metastasis. However, the investigation of the relationship between inflammation and cancer cell migration is limited by the lack of a reproducible cancer metastasis animal model. To fill the gap, we have recently developed an animal model. This model is composed of a two-step procedure. First, poly-L lactic acid (PLA) microspheres were implanted subcutaneously …

Partitioning Of Perfluorooctanoate Into Phosphatidylcholine Bilayers Is Chain Length-Independent, Wei Xie, Geoffrey D. Bothun, Hans-Joachim Lehmler

Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The chain length dependence of the interaction of PFOA, a persistent environmental contaminant, with dimyristoyl- (DMPC), dipalmitoyl- (DPPC) and distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) was investigated using steady-state fluorescence anisotropy spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). PFOA caused a linear depression of the main phase transition temperature T_m while increasing the width of the phase transition of all three phosphatidylcholines. Although PFOA's effect on T_m and the transition width decreased in the order DMPC > DPPC > DSPC, its relative effect on the phase behavior was largely independent of the phosphatidylcholine. PFOA caused swelling of DMPC but not DPPC …

Development Of A Preliminary Cost Estimation Method For Water Treatment Plants, Jwala Raj Sharma

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Reliable cost estimates for construction, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of water treatment plants are essential for their project planning and design. During the planning phases of the project, preliminary cost estimates are developed for major project components, and for screening of alternatives.Construction and O&M cost curves are widely used for developing preliminary cost estimates. This method is time consuming and there is possibility of human errors. Therefore, for this thesis, construction, and O&M cost equations were developed considering historical cost data for different unit operations and processes involved in a water treatment plant. These equations were developed from historical …

In Vivo Tracking Of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Recruitment To Tissue Scaffolds, Manwu Sun

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

The term "Stem cells" has been extensively used to describe precursor undifferentiated cells that have the capacity to self-renew and can also give rise to multiple tissue types. Many studies have been shown improved functional outcome after treated with stem cell therapy. However, almost all of these investigations were analyzed based on histological evaluations which are time-consuming, expensive and fail to provide 3 dimensional and real-time information about stem cell responses. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new method to investigate the migration of stem cells in vivo. Recent evidence supports that fluorescence imaging system offer both …

Quality Indicators For Engineering And Technology Education, Michael Dyrenfurth, Mike Murphy, Gary Bertoline

Conference papers

In recent years the development and use of university rankings, comparisons, and/or league tables has become popular and several methodologies are now frequently used to provide a comparative ranking of universities. These rankings are often based on research and publication activity and also not uncommonly focus on indicators that can be measured rather than those that should be measured. Further, the indicators are generally examined for the university as a whole rather than for university divisions, departments or programs. Implicit also is that placement in the rankings is indicative of quality. This paper provides an overview of the methodologies used …

Concentric Layout, A New Scientific Data Layout For Matrix Data Set In Hadoop File System, Lu Cheng

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The data generated by scientific simulation, sensor, monitor or optical telescope has increased with dramatic speed. In order to analyze the raw data speed and space efficiently, data preprocess operation is needed to achieve better performance in data analysis phase. Current research shows an increasing tread of adopting MapReduce framework for large scale data processing. However, the data access patterns which generally applied to scientific data set are not supported by current MapReduce framework directly. The gap between the requirement from analytics application and the property of MapReduce framework motivates us to provide support for these data access patterns in …

Designing Of Energy Efficient Indoor Environments Using A Localized Radial Basis Function Meshless Method, Victor Huayamave

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Around the world, the energy over consumption issue has been one of the key socio-economic and political challenges, which has drastically worsened over the last few years. Over the years engineers and environmentalists have proposed several approaches to improve energy efficiency. One is to reduce energy demand by improving consumption habits and a second approach is to introduce the use of a "greener" concept by using biomaterials in a diverse and more efficient manner in engineering construction to create energy efficient environments. This work will investigate the effects of using "green" stabilized earth materials to provide and enhance thermal regulation …

The Development Of A Human-Centric Fuzzy Mathematical Measure Of Human Engagement In Interactive Multimedia Systems And Applications, Chandre Butler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The utilization of fuzzy mathematical modeling for the quantification of the Human Engagement is an innovative approach within Interactive Multimedia applications (mainly video-based games designed to entertain or train participants on intended topics of interest) that can result in measurable and repeatable results. These results can then be used to generate a cogent Human Engagement definition. This research is designed to apply proven quantification techniques and Industrial/Systems Engineering methodologies to nontraditional environments such as Interactive Multimedia. The outcomes of this research will provide the foundation, initial steps and preliminary validation for the development of a systematic fuzzy theoretical model to …

Robust Dialog Management Through A Context-Centric Architecture, Victor C. Hung

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents and evaluates a method of managing spoken dialog interactions with a robust attention to fulfilling the human user’s goals in the presence of speech recognition limitations. Assistive speech-based embodied conversation agents are computer-based entities that interact with humans to help accomplish a certain task or communicate information via spoken input and output. A challenging aspect of this task involves open dialog, where the user is free to converse in an unstructured manner. With this style of input, the machine’s ability to communicate may be hindered by poor reception of utterances, caused by a user’s inadequate command of …

Text Versus Verbal Real-Time Feedback During Simulation-Based Training Of Higher-Order Cognitive Skills, C L. Fiorella

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A crucial component of instructional design for simulation-based training systems involves optimizing the presentation of complex material in order to maximize knowledge acquisition and application. One approach toward facilitating the learning of this complex information is to instantiate instructional strategies within the training systems themselves. However, there are few established guidelines in place which are meant specifically for real-time guidance strategies within simulation-based environments. Consequently, this study aims to apply findings from the literature on instructional information presentation to drive decisions for how to most effectively provide real-time feedback during training of simulated decision-making tasks. Research has shown that presenting …

An Interval Based Approach To Model Input Uncertainty In Discrete-Event Simulation, Ola Batarseh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to increase the robustness of discrete-event simulation (DES) when input uncertainties associated models and parameters are present. Input uncertainties in simulation have different sources, including lack of data, conflicting information and beliefs, lack of introspection, measurement errors, and lack of information about dependency. A reliable solution is obtained from a simulation mechanism that accounts for these uncertainty components in simulation. An interval-based simulation (IBS) mechanism based on imprecise probabilities is proposed, where the statistical distribution parameters in simulation are intervals instead of precise real numbers. This approach incorporates variability and uncertainty in systems. In …

Processing, Optimization And Characterization Of Fire Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites, Jinfeng Zhuge

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fiber reinforced polymeric composites (FRPC) have superior physical and mechanical properties, such as high specific strength, light weight, and good fatigue and corrosion resistance. They have become competitive engineering materials to replace conventional metallic materials in many important sectors of industry such as aircraft, naval constructions, ships, buildings, transportation, electrical and electronics components, and offshore structures. However, since FRPC contain polymer matrix, the polymer composites and their structures are combustible. FRPC will degrade, decompose, and sometimes yield toxic gases at high temperature or subject to fire conditions. The objective of this study is to design and optimize fire retardant nanopaper …

A Visual Analytics Approach To Understanding Spatiotemporal Hotspots, Ross Maciejewski, Stephen Rudolph, Ryan Hafen, Ahmad Abusalah, Mohamed Yakout, Mourad Ouzzani, William S. Cleveland, Shaun Grannis, David S. Ebert

Cyber Center Publications

As data sources become larger and more complex, the ability to effectively explore and analyze patterns amongst varying sources becomes a critical bottleneck in analytic reasoning. Incoming data contains multiple variables, high signal to noise ratio, and a degree of uncertainty, all of which hinder exploration, hypothesis eneration/exploration, and decision making. To facilitate the exploration of such data, advanced tool sets are needed that allow the user to interact with their data in a visual environment that provides direct analytic capability for finding data aberrations or hotspots. In this paper, we present a suite of tools designed to facilitate the …

Manufactured Coal Ash Aggregates For Aqueous Tnt Sorption, Sangchul Hwang, Victor Hernandez

Coal Combustion and Gasification Products Journal Archive

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Amputee Gait Using Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Techniques, Maurissa S. D'Angelo

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

This research shows promise in becoming a standard practice for long term amputee rehabilitation. Exceptional rehabilitation is not universally available to all disabled individuals due to circumstances which limit patient care such as a limited number of trained personnel, limited access to therapy in remote areas, limited patient feedback, limited visits under insurance policies and differing expertise of personnel. Providing real-time, objective feedback will help to continuously improve the quality of life of amputee individuals and provide standardized baseline techniques. The research described in this dissertation expands the use of virtual reality systems to amputee rehabilitation. A virtual reality system …

Phoneme-Based Video Indexing Using Phonetic Disparity Search, Carlos Leon Barth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents and evaluates a method to the video indexing problem by investigating a categorization method that transcribes audio content through Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) combined with Dynamic Contextualization (DC), Phonetic Disparity Search (PDS) and Metaphone indexation. The suggested approach applies genome pattern matching algorithms with computational summarization to build a database infrastructure that provides an indexed summary of the original audio content. PDS complements the contextual phoneme indexing approach by optimizing topic seek performance and accuracy in large video content structures. A prototype was established to translate news broadcast video into text and phonemes automatically by using ASR …

Modeling And Simulation Of Soft Bodies, Jaruwan Mesit

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As graphics and simulations become more realistic, techniques for approximating soft body objects, that is, non-solid objects such as liquids, gases, and cloth, are becoming increasingly common. The proposed generalized soft body method encompasses some specific cases of other existing models enabling simulation of a variety of soft body materials by parameter adjustment. This research presents a general method of soft body model and simulation in which parameters for body control, surface deformation, volume control, and gravitation, can be adjusted to simulate different types of soft bodies. In this method, the soft body mesh structure maintains configuration among surface points …

Towards A Center For Modeling And Simulation: The Case For Jordan, Ghaith Rabadi, Hazem Kaylani, Joseph Barjis (Ed.), Murali Mohan Narasipuram (Ed.), Ghaith Rabadi (Ed.), Jolita Ralyt (Ed.), Pierluigi Plebani (Ed.)

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Modeling and Simulation (M&S) has recently become an important area that is pursued by many researchers and practitioners due to the role it plays in understanding complex systems and problems. We have therefore witnessed the establishment of many M&S organizations in the last two decades especially in the more developed world. Less developed countries are starting to recognize the need for such capability especially that the problems they face are not less complex. In this paper, we present a preliminary study towards a business plan for establishing a scientific center for Modeling, Analysis, Simulation and Animation in Jordan (JoSAMA) and …

Development Of Magnetic-Based Core-Shell Nanoparticles For Drug Delivery Applications In Melanoma Skin Cancer, Zarna A. Bhavsar

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

Melanoma skin cancer is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and the major cause of deaths related to skin cancer worldwide. Conventional chemotherapeutic treatment is not very effective and faces many problems such as low response rate, development of multidrug resistance, and severe side effects. In order to address these limitations and improve melanoma treatment efficacy, development of a multifunctional nanoparticulate drug delivery system is desired. Thus, we aimed towards the development of magnetic-based core-shell nanoparticles (MBCS NPs) for dual drug release and dual targeting of melanoma tumors. The synthesized nanoparticles were composed of Poly (Lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particle …

Water And Nutrient Balances Of Vegetative Treatment Systems For Feedlots In South Dakota, Daniel T. Ostrem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Vegetative treatment systems (VTS) are a possible alternative to storage basins for managing feedlot runoff but have not been researched in South Dakota. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of VTS within South Dakota. The performance was evaluated by determining water and mass balances on each vegetative treatment area (VTA). The balances were determined by measuring all inflow, outflow, evapotranspiration, precipitation, and both soil and water nutrient concentrations within the VTA. Twelve site years have been completed in researching VTS from four feed lots in South Dakota. Seven of the twelve site-years VTS were able to prevent water …

Evaluation Of Two Novel Aluminum-Free, Zinc-Based Glass Polyalkenoate Cements As Alternatives To Pmma Bone Cement For Use In Vertebroplasty And Balloon Kyphoplasty, Gladius Lewis, Mark R. Towler, Daniel Boyd, Matthew J. German, Anthony W. Wren, Owen M. Clarkin, Andrew Yates

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Vertebroplasty (VP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are now widely used for treating patients in whom the pain due to vertebral compression fractures is severe and has proved to be refractory to conservative treatment. These procedures involve percutaneous delivery of a bolus of an injectable bone cement either directly to the fractured vertebral body, VB (VP) or to a void created in it by an inflatable bone tamp (BKP). Thus, the cement is a vital component of both procedures. In the vast majority of VPs and BKPs, a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is used. This material has many shortcomings, notably …

Electroporation-Mediated Delivery Of A Naked Dna Plasmid Expressing Vegf To The Porcine Heart Enhances Protein Expression, W. G. Marshall Jr., B. A. Boone, J. D. Burgos, S. I. Gografe, M. K. Baldwin, M. L. Danielson, M. J. Larson, D. R. Caretto, Y. Cruz, B. Ferraro, L. C. Heller, K. E. Ugen, M. J. Jaroszeski, R. Heller

Bioelectrics Publications

Gene therapy is an attractive method for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, using current strategies, induction of gene expression at therapeutic levels is often inefficient. In this study, we show a novel electroporation (EP) method to enhance the delivery of a plasmid expressing an angiogenic growth factor (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF), which is a molecule previously documented to stimulate revascularization in coronary artery disease. DNA expression plasmids were delivered in vivo to the porcine heart with or without coadministered EP to determine the potential effect of electrically mediated delivery. The results showed that plasmid delivery through EP significantly …

Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute Annual Technical Report Fy 2009, Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute, University Of Kentucky

KWRRI Annual Technical Reports (USGS’s 104b Grant Program)

The 2009 Annual Technical Report for Kentucky consolidates reporting requirements of the Section 104(b) base grant award into a single document that includes: 1) a synopsis of each research project conducted with grant funds during the period, 2) citations for related publications, reports, and presentations, 3) a description of information transfer activities, 4) a summary of student support during the reporting period, and 5) notable awards and achievements during the year.

The Journal Of Undergraduate Research: Volume 08

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

This is the complete issue of the South Dakota State University Journal of Undergraduate Research, Volume 8.

Passive Attitude Stabilization For Small Satellites, Samir Ahmed Rawashdeh

University of Kentucky Master's Theses

This thesis addresses the problem of designing and evaluating passive satellite attitude control systems for small satellites. Passive stabilization techniques such as Gravity Gradient stabilization, Passive Magnetic Stabilization, and Aerodynamic stabilization in Low Earth Orbit utilize the geometric and magnetic design of a satellite and the orbit properties to passively provide attitude stabilization and basic pointing. The design of such stabilization systems can be done using a high fidelity simulation of the satellite and the environmental effects in the orbit under consideration to study the on-orbit behavior and the effectiveness of the stability system in overcoming the disturbance torques. The …

A Comparison Of Hemodynamic Performance In Mehcanical And Biological Heart Valve Prostheses, Philip Mathew

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Heart valve prostheses are used to replace heart valves in patients afflicted with valvular heart disease. The malfunctioning heart valve adversely affects the fluid mechanical performance. While the choice of mechanical VS biological valve prostheses is dependent on the patient, the biological valves should have improved hemodynamic performance compared to the mechanical valves. This work focused on CFD analysis of the Starr-Edwards caged ball valve and a biological valve and serves to validate the improved hemodynamics of the latter valve in comparison to the former. Commercial CFD software (CFD-GEOM, CFD-ACE, CFD-VIEW) are used for the analys is. The main results …