Engineering Commons^™

A Comprehensive Study Of The Effects Of Eeg Electrode Arrays On Mri Signal-To-Noise At 3t, Aman Ish Goyal

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

Simultaneous EEG-fMRI offers much potential for gaining complementary, noninvasive information about brain function. While much effort has been devoted to the compelling problem of removing ballistocardiogram and gradient artifacts from the EEG waveforms, less attention has been paid to the impact that increasing density of electrode arrays has on the MR images. Initial work reporting the effects of EEG caps and electrodes on the MR image has been site specific, using customized EEG equipment that those research groups built in-house. Therefore these results are hard to generalize to other laboratory environments. A monotonic decrease in SNR of the images has …

Miniature Optical Coherence Tomography Probe, Asif Rizwan

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

A piezo based optical scanner for high speed optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been developed. Design of the miniature probe has been optimized to take advantages of the high speed depth scanning that can be achieved with spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) systems. Three prototype scanning probes were constructed and tested for OCT imaging. Movies and images of tissues are presented which were taken at frame rates ranging from 50~100fps. Data were acquired at 18000 A-lines per second at an effective integration time of 55us.

Optical Coherence Tomography Of Oral Mucosa, Nidhi Bharatbhai Mehta

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

Oral cancer causes 120000* deaths annually around the world and 280000* new cases are diagnosed every year. Technology has developed and the death rate of oral cancer has improved over the last few decades; hence to improve the survival rate, development of a technique able to diagnose carcinomas in its early stages is very important. OCT is a non invasive imaging technique capable to provide high resolution microstructure images of tissue. A development of in vivo OCT; capable to image tissue with micrometer resolution and able to identify pre cancerous morphological changes non invasively could improve survival rate in cancer …

Fiber Based Non-Linear Excitation Fluorescence Microscopy, Priyanka Amrita Jillella

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

Non-linear excitation fluorescence microscopy is a high resolution, non-invasive biological imaging technique capable of imaging both in vitro and in vivo at the depths of several hundred microns. The goal of the thesis work is to contribute towards a fiber based non-linear excitation fluorescence microscopy system that we plan to build for our lab, which would later on be integrated with the OCT imaging setup and the DIC microscope. This thesis work involves filling in the key components in the microscopy system. These key components are; femtosecond pulse diagnosis, study of dispersion in optical media, dispersion free femtosecond pulse delivery …

Application Of Advanced Computational Modelling In The Numerical Prediction Of The Haemodynamic Impact Of Coronary Stent Implantation, Jonathan Murphy, Fergal Boyle

Conference Papers

Coronary stent implantation can improve blood flow in an artery narrowed by the build up of arterial plaque. However, the haemodynamic effect of stent placement is unclear and may influence arterial restenosis (re-blockage). In this investigation the stent induced, non-Newtonian blood flow disturbances have been captured in a three dimensional computational domain. The results clearly show areas of low wall shear stress proximal and distal to the stent wires, a characteristic which is known to encourage restenosis. Furthermore, this computational method of observing the complex haemodynamics of the stent environment can be used in conjunction with medical trial data to …

Distensibility Differs Between Sall Arteries And Veins In The Newborn Piglet Lung, John B. Gordon, Steven Thomas Haworth, Robert C. Molthen, Gary S. Krenz, Anne V. Clough

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

BACKGROUND: We previously used micro-CT techniques to measure pulmonary artery distensibility in 3 week old piglets. Pressure/diameter relationships were measured for each artery and the slope (a) was then plotted against its diameter intercept at 0 pressure (Do). The resultant diameter independent distensibility parameter, a, was estimated by linear regression to be 1.6% per mmHg for arteries between 0.2 and 3.0 mm Do.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether; 1) distensibility of smaller arteries was similar to that of arteries with Do> 0.2 mm; and 2) whether small vein and artery distensibility was similar.

DESIGN/METHODS: Lower lobes were isolated …

Concept Frequency Distribution In Biomedical Text Summarization, Lawrence H. Reeve, Hyoil Han, Saya V. Nagori, Jonathan C. Yang, Tamara A. Schwimmer, Ari D. Brooks

Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering Faculty Research

Text summarization is a data reduction process. The use of text summarization enables users to reduce the amount of text that must be read while still assimilating the core information. The data reduction offered by text summarization is particularly useful in the biomedical domain, where physicians must continuously find clinical trial study information to incorporate into their patient treatment efforts. Such efforts are often hampered by the high-volume of publications. Our contribution is two-fold: 1) to propose the frequency of domain concepts as a method to identify important sentences within a full-text; and 2) propose a novel frequency distribution model …

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Issue 2, November 2006

BSE Department Magazine

Contents:
Visiting Scholar
Big changes in the BSE Computer Lab
From the Department Head
National Science Foundation Initiative Moving to Transform Water and Environment Research ByWayneWoldt
ASABE Awards
Nebraska Tractor Test Lab Welcomes New Director
Alumni News
August Graduation
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Alumni Association (CASNRAA)
Hydrologic Studies in Prairie and Agricultural Watersheds: Gleanings from a Faculty Development Leave, by Dean E. Eisenhauer
Irrigation and Energy Conservation Field Day, by Suat Irmak
P3–Ten Years
Hall of Fame
Vegetative Treatment Systems Help Small Livestock Producers Control Animal Waste, by Kalee Olson
Ice Cream Social and Scholarship Recognition
Student …

Procedure To Quantify Biofilm Activity In Carriers Used In Wastewater Treatment Systems, James Bolton, Archana Tummala, Chirag Kapadia, Manoj Dandamudi, Joanne M. Belovich

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

A procedure is presented for evaluating and comparing the biological activity of biofilms attached to various biofilm carriers by measurement of the glucose consumption rate. This technique allows for the economical design and selection of small particulate biofilm carriers that will maximize substrate removal when used in industrial-scale fluidized bioreactors. Methods for ensuring reproducible results are described. To support the glucose consumption rate findings, biofilm dry weights were obtained at the conclusion of activity rate experiments, and scanning electron micrographs were taken to evaluate the presence of biofilm and to view surface characteristics. Fourteen different biofilm carriers were evaluated ranging …

Oxidized Derivatives Of Ω-3 Fatty Acids: Identification Of Ipf 3Α-Vi In Human Urine, John A. Lawson, Seongjin Kim, William S. Powell, Garret Gerald A. Fitzgerald, Joshua Rokach

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Isoprostanes (iPs) are prostaglandin-like molecules derived from autoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Urinary iP levels have been used as indices of in vivo lipid peroxidation. Thus far, it has only been possible to measure iPs derived from arachidonic acid in urine, because levels of iPs/neuroprostanes (nPs) derived from ω3-PUFAs have been found to be below detection limits of available assays. Because of the interest in ω3-PUFA dietary supplementation, we developed specific methods to measure nPF4α-VI and iPF3α-VI [derived from 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] using a combination of chemical synthesis, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), andliquid chromatography tandem …

Two In Vivo Surgical Approaches For Lumbar Corpectomy Using Allograft And A Metallic Implant: A Controlled Clinical And Biomechanical Study, Philbert Huang, Munish C. Gupta, Nesrin Sarigul-Klijn, Scott Hazelwood

Biomedical Engineering

Background context: Both bone graft and metallic implants have been used in combination with the necessary anterior rod or plate instrumentation to fill the voids left by vertebral body removal, with the ultimate goal of restoring stability. One type of device that has recently been introduced is an expandable titanium telescoping cage that is designed to be used as a strut implant to fill corpectomy defects. The use of these devices has met varying success. Acceptance by surgeons and spine biomechanicians has been limited by clinical failure with subsequent loss of reduction and increase in kyphosis. In order to further …

Incorporation Of Polyethylene Glycol Into Self-Assembled Monolayers Enhances Substrate-Mediated Gene Delivery By Nonspecifically- Bound Complexes, Angela K. Pannier, Lonnie D Shea

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Developing systems capable of controlled and efficient gene transfer is a fundamental goal of biotechnology, with applications including functional genomics, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. Substrate-mediated delivery, also termed solid phase delivery, describes the immobilization of DNA, complexed with nonviral vectors, to a biomaterial or substrate through specific or nonspecific interactions. Cells cultured on the substrate are exposed to elevated DNA concentrations within the local microenvironment, which enhances transfection. We investigated transfection resulting from DNA complexes immobilized to a substrate through specific interactions introduced through complementary functional groups on the vector and surface or through nonspecific interactions. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) …

Fluorescent Enzymatic Smart Tattoos Comprising Hybrid Silicate Microparticles, Metalloporphyrin Complexes, And Mass Transport-Limiting Nanofilms, Erich Wayne Stein

Doctoral Dissertations

Diabetics are often required to self-monitor blood glucose levels to effectively deliver prescribed therapies. However, the pain and bother associated with traditional finger-prick measurements often result in decreased patient compliance and therefore poor disease management, which could result in the early-onset of complications. Enzymatic "smart tattoos"—implantable luminescent particles that may be transdermally interrogated with light—are being pursued as minimally-invasive diabetic monitoring devices, with hopes of increasing diabetic compliance by reducing excessive pain and bother associated with finger-prick measurements. These devices typically comprise an oxygen-quenched luminescent dye and glucose oxidase (GOx), an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of β-D-glucose. Under glucose-limited …

The Effects Of Ultrashort Pulsed Electric Fields On The Fluorescent Molecule Bodipy Fl C5 Ceramide, Rachael Sara Shevin

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields are able to manipulate internal cell organelles by taking advantage of the small but finite time required for charge to establish across a capacitive barrier. Pulsed electric fields also affect macromolecular structures such as enzymes and proteins. Application of a single nanosecond pulsed electric field decreases the fluorescence of a commercially available biological dye Bodipy FL C₅ Ceramide, used to observe the Golgi apparatus of living cells. The effect is seen when the fluorophore is exposed to an electric field both in vitro and when incorporated into the Golgi of a living Jurkat cell. Observation …

A Novel Open Field Activity Detector To Determine Spatial And Temporal Movement Of Laboratory Animals After Injury And Disease, Andrew O. Koob, John Cirillo, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Among the wide range of tests for laboratory animal behavior after neurological injury or disease, each has its benefits and drawbacks. The varied behavior that an animal exhibits makes it difficult to decide which test to use. However, a fundamental instinct for the laboratory animal is to explore when placed in a new environment. A way to test exploratory behavior is in the open field. Here, we introduce a simple activity box without the use of video equipment to determine the exploratory movement of a rat after traumatic brain injury. The activity box is an open field, and the rat …

The Effect Of Auditory And Visual Distracters On The Useful Field Of View: Implications For The Driving Task, Joanne Wood, Alex Chaparro, Louise Hickson, Nick Thyer, Philippa Carter, Julie Hancock, Adrene Hoe, Ivy Le, Louisa Sahetapy, Floravel Ybarzabal

Publications

PURPOSE. The driving environment is becoming increasingly complex, including both visual and auditory distractions within the in-vehicle and external driving environments. This study was designed to investigate the effect of visual and auditory distractions on a performance measure that has been shown to be related to driving safety, the useful field of view.

METHODS. A laboratory study recorded the useful field of view in 28 young visually normal adults (mean 22.6 +- 2.2 years). The useful field of view was measured in the presence and absence of visual distracters (of the same angular subtense as the target) and with three …

Analysis Of Gait Characteristics In Mentally Handicapped Individuals, Prakriti Parijat, Jian Liu, Thurmon E. Lockhart, Courtney Haynes

Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering Faculty Research

Physical and motor dysfunctions in mentally handicapped individuals predispose them to a higher risk of slip and fall accidents. It is estimated that over 60 million people are currently suffering with some level of developmentally related cognitive impairment (American Disability Act ADA, 2000). Mental retardation occurs in 2.5-3% of the general population. About 6-7.5 million mentally retarded individuals live in the United States alone (ADA, 2000). Slip induced fall accidents are a primary source of injury in people with mental retardation (MR). Often, the incidence of falls among this population is compounded by other disabilities such as autism, seizure, and …

The Effect Of Plate Rotation On The Stiffness Of Femoral Liss: A Mechanical Study, Afshin Khalafi, Shane Curtiss, Scott Hazelwood, Philip Wolinsky

Biomedical Engineering

Objective: Malposition of the femoral Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) plate may alter its biomechanical behavior. This study compares the mechanical stability of ‘‘correctly’’ affixed LISS plates matching the slope of the lateral femoral condyle to ‘‘incorrectly’’ placed LISS plates fixed in external rotation relative to the distal femur.

Methods: A fracture gap model was created to simulate a comminuted supracondylar femur fracture (AO/OTA33-A3). Fixation was achieved using two different plate positions: the LISS plate was either placed ‘‘correctly’’ by internally rotating the plate to match the slope of the lateral femoral condyle, or ‘‘incorrectly’’ by externally rotating the plate …

Influence Of Two Changes In The Composition Of An Acrylic Bone Cement On Some Of Its Properties: The Case Of Surgical Simplex® P, S. Madigan, Mark R. Towler, G. Lewis

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Influence of two changes in the composition of a self-curing acrylic bone cement on some of its properties are discussed. Acrylic bone cements are widely used in orthopedic surgery for the fixation of joint prosthesis and in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for the stabilization and augmentation of fractured vertebrae. The cement's curing process is the result of a free-radical polymerization of a mixture of poly (methyl 1 methacrylate) [PMMA] containing powder and a liquid monomer that has methyl methacrylate (MMA) in it. It is initiated by the decomposition of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in the powder, activated by a tertiary amine in …

The Influence Of Ultrasonic Setting On Fluoride Release From Glass Polyalkenoate Cements, N. Rushe, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The effects of ultrasonic setting on fluoride release from glass polyalkenoate cements (GPC) were investigated. Cements based on two different aluminosilicate glasses that contained silica, alumina, phosphate, and strontia were used for the experiment. A series of GPCs were examined to show that increased release F^- ion occurs, regardless of GPC composition. The results show that there is a greater release of fluoride from the ultrasonically set samples than those set chemically, regardless of the chemical composition. The snap set caused by the ultrasound is likely to be due to a combination of cavitation, improved mixing of the constituents, …

Calcium And Zinc Ion Release From Polyalkenoate Cements Formed From Zinc Oxide/Apatite Mixtures, Mark R. Towler, S. Kenny, D. Boyd, T. Pembroke, M. Buggy, A. Guida, R. G. Hill

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Calcium and zinc ion release from hydroxyapatite-zinc oxide-poly (acrylic acid) (HAZnO-PAA) composite cements into deionised water was investigated as a function of HA content, PAA concentration, PAA molecular weight and maturation time. At any given maturation time, zinc ion release was constant until the HA content was at the maximum loading (60 wt%) resulting in the cement matrix breaking up, allowing exacerbated ion release. The calcium ion release increased with increased HA content in the composite until the maximum loading where the release drops off. Up to this point, the release of both ionic species was proportional to square root …

Modulation Of Stretch Reflexes Of The Finger Flexors By Sensory Feedback From The Proximal Upper Limb Poststroke, Gilles Hoffmann, Derek G. Kamper, Jennifer H. Kahn, William Zev Rymer, Brian D. Schmit

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Neural coupling of proximal and distal upper limb segments may have functional implications in the recovery of hemiparesis after stroke. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether the stretch reflex response magnitude of spastic finger flexor muscles poststroke is influenced by sensory input from the shoulder and the elbow and whether reflex coupling of muscles throughout the upper limb is altered in spastic stroke survivors. Through imposed extension of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, stretch of the relaxed finger flexors of the four fingers was imposed in 10 relaxed stroke subjects under different conditions of proximal sensory input, …

Characterization Of Hypertension Through Multivariate Analysis Utilizing Linear And Nonlinear Methods, Diane L. Donnelly

Dissertations

Analysis of blood pressure by nonlinear methods is vastly underutilized in current research. As such, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure data from a small cohort of borderline hypertensive and normotensive subjects were analyzed using linear and nonlinear methods. Data were collected and provided by researchers from Columbia University. The cohort size was twelve subjects, consisting of two groups of six each. Although disease state was known, group membership for individual subjects was not. Therefore, one aspect of this research was to separate the cohort, a-priori, into two distinct, evenly sized groups, based solely on analysis results. Separation was accomplished by the …

Individual Cell Pressure Control In An Air Mattress For The Prevention Of The Pressure Sores, Kapilchandra Anand

Theses

Many kinds of pressure-relieving mattresses have been developed to prevent pressure sores in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and obesity. Current technology uses alternating air pressure mattress, foam and low pressure mattress for reducing the incidence of pressure sores in SCI and obesity patients. These mattresses do not have control of pressure in individual air chambers. They are open loop system and they do not receive any feedback from the system. They have at the most control of two different pressures. The purpose of this study is to improve the current assistive technology in reducing pressure sores and to …

In-Vitro Characterization Of Boronized Titanium Alloy By Means Of Corrosion And Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Methods In Simulated Body Fluids, David Anthony Panus

Theses

Titanium and titanium alloys are becoming the backbone of medical implants and prosthetics. Titanium alloys are used because of its high biocompatibility and similarity to bone. However, titanium and titanium alloys have a low wear resistance. Titanium and titanium alloys are susceptible to particle erosion, which can cause inflammation, infection, and even implant rejection. Boronizing titanium alloy improves titanium's wear resistance and also improves corrosion resistance.

The target of this research was to characterize the corrosion characteristics of both unboronized and boronized titanium using both electrochemical corrosion methods and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (ELS) in simulated body fluid. Using electrochemical methods …

Fabrication Of Hydroxyapatite-Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds By Electrospinning For Potential Bone Tissue Application, Satomi Suzuki

Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the potential of combining hydroxyapatite (HA) and polymers to form synthetic composite materials used for bone tissue engineering applications. In this study, ceramic-biodegradable polymer composites are fabricated by electrospinning method. The biodegradable polymers used are poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). Two types of HA-polymer solutions are first prepared to achieve HA weight percentage of 0, 10, and 25%of the total combined weight of HA and PLLA, and HA and PLGA. The solutions are electrospun to form nanofibrous mats incorporated with HA powder. A biomimetic process was also conducted as a …

Closure Of Earthern Manure Structures (Including Basins, Holding Ponds And Lagoons), Don D. Jones, Richard K. Koelsch, Saqib Mukhtar, Ronald Sheffield, John W. Worley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

This paper is a summary of what is known scientifically about the closure of earthen manure structures without artificial liners, including lagoons, storage basins, and runoff holding ponds, and what needs to be examined further to increase our understanding of the dynamics of closing them in an environmentally safe manner. This information should be useful as a guide for state regulatory agencies considering rules for closure and for academicians and consultants who work with livestock production facilities.

Pre- And Post-Alpha Motoneuronal Control Of The Soleus H-Reflex During Sinusoidal Hip Movements In Human Spinal Cord Injury, Maria Knikou, Debjani Chaudhuri, Elizabeth Kay, Brian D. Schmit

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The aim of this study was to establish the contribution of hip-mediated sensory feedback to spinal interneuronal circuits during dynamic conditions in people with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Specifically, we investigated the effects of synergistic and antagonistic group I afferents on the soleus H-reflex during imposed sinusoidal hip movements. The soleus H-reflex was conditioned by stimulating the common peroneal nerve (CPN) at short (2, 3, and 4 ms) and long (80, 100, and 120 ms) conditioning test (C-T) intervals to assess the reciprocal and pre-synaptic inhibition of the soleus H-reflex, respectively. The soleus H-reflex was also conditioned by medial …

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Issue 1, August 2006

BSE Department Magazine

Contents:
Welcome Comments from Department Head
Student Poster Exhibition
Quarter-scale Tractor Team
Distinguished Fellowship Awards
Scoops and Scholars
Educational Objectives
ASABE Honors Department Faculty and Staff Members
Computer Tool Helps Crop Production under Limited Irrigation
Comings and Goings
Milestones
Faculty and Staff News
Alumni Update
Alumni Profile
Graduation
UCare Spring 2006 Undergraduate Research
MSYM Student on Winning Team
A Nebraskan Goes Way South
Visitors to BSE

Flow Rate Measurement Of In Situ Perfusion Through The Aqueous Humor Outflow Network, Noel Ortiz Lawrence

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

A system was developed to measure the instantaneous perfusate flow rate through the aqueous humor outflow network of a human eye, while under constant pressure. The system monitors real-time weight changes of a perfusate reservoir associated with perfusate flow through the aqueous humor outflow network. The recorded weight changes of the reservoir are used as an indicator of flow rates. Methods to determine time and flow rate resolution and to control for evaporation were also developed. The system is capable of measuring flow on a uL/min scale; determined by the following model, which also includes a range of uncertainty (implies …