Engineering Commons^™

Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Resorption By Monocytes In Biphasic Calcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study, Wolf Bohne, Jean A. Pouëzat, Dorothea Pouëzat, Guy Daculsi

Cells and Materials

A macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) of 60.7% carbonated dense non-porous hydroxyapatite (HA)/39.3% dense microporous ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) was immersed during 15 days in a supplemented a-MEM (minimal essential medium) solution with and without dog bone marrow cells obtained by punction. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the time-related changes in the BCP fractions by means of X -ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and to investigate the cell populations. The HA/ß-TCP ratios varied according to immersion duration and cell presence. If any, there was a slight preponderance of ß-TCP …

Transmission Electron Microscopical Study Of Fibroblast Attachment To Microtextured Silicone Rubber Surfaces, E. T. Den Braber, J. E. De Ruijter, H. J. E. Croes, L. A. Ginsel, J. A. Jansen

Cells and Materials

Cellular attachment has been suggested to be highly influenced by the micromorphology of the substratum surface. To test this hypothesis, smooth and microtextured silicone substrata were produced, which possessed parallel surface grooves with a groove and ridge width of 2.0 (SilD02), 5.0 (SilD05), and 10 µm (SilD10). Groove depth was approximately 0.5 µm. After culture of rat dermal fibroblasts (RDFs) on these substrata for 3 and 5 days, the samples were prepared and sectioned for transmission electron microscopy with a specially developed preparation technique. On the SilD02 and SilD05 surfaces, it was found that the RDFs attached to …

Mechanism For Formation Of Lamellar Constituents In Grain-Refined Pd-Cu-Ga Dental Alloys, William A. Brantley, Zhuo Cai, John C. Mitchell, Stanley G. Vermilyea

Cells and Materials

Grain-refined Pd-Cu-Ga dental alloys solidify with a lamellar microstructural constituent that affects a variety of clinically relevant properties. While formation of this constituent has been attributed to eutectic solidification, an alternative mechanism of discontinuous precipitation has been proposed. Using a representative grain-refined Pd-Cu-Ga dental alloy, casting procedures involving two different rates of solidification were used: (a) A standard thin-walled coping configuration for a metal-ceramic restoration was cast into a room temperature mold, followed by rapid quenching into an ice-water mixture. (b) A thin plate specimen was cast into a standard elevated-temperature mold, with the same subsequent rapid quenching procedure. Neither …

Biofilms In Dental Unit Waterlines: Ultrastructural And Cytochemical Analysis, J. Barbeau, C. Avezard, E. Faucher, S. Zalzal, A. P. Prévost

Cells and Materials

Dental unit waterlines are heavily colonized by bacteria which contaminate the water used to perform intra-oral, and sometimes invasive, procedures. There is little information on the nature of the biofilm colonizing the flexible plastic tubing used to supply water to the different handpieces. We have therefore undertaken quantitative microbial analysis and ultrastructural studies of these biofilms by direct counting with the epifluorescent filter technique and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy after staining with ruthenium red and periodic acid-thiosemicarbazide-silver proteinate to visualize the composition and the distribution of exopolysaccharides and intracellular polysaccharides. The biofilm was revealed as a non-uniform structure …

Surface Modifying Additives Reduce Thrombogenicity: An In Vitro And Clinical Evaluation, H. T. Spijker, J. Haan, R. Graaff, P. W. Boonstra, W. Van Oeveren

Cells and Materials

To improve the biocompatibility of biomaterials a new surface treatment has been described based on the addition of polysiloxane containing copolymers to the base polymer resin (surface modifying additives). In an in vitro and a clinical study, we compared the thrombogenicity of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to PVC with these surface modifying additives (SMA).

In the in vitro study, adsorption of thrombin and fibrinogen, binding of platelets and platelet release were measured on the tubing and were found reduced on SMA-PVC.

For the clinical study, we examined tubing material and blood collected after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Onto the tubing, the binding …

Osteoclast Differentiation In Cocultures Of Chondrogenic Cell Line Rcj 3.1c5.18 And Mouse Or Rat Bone Marrow: Dependence On Culture Substrate And Association With Alkaline Phosphatase Positive Marrow Stromal Cells, G. I. Anderson, J. N. M. Heersche

Cells and Materials

We investigated the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive (TRAP+) colonies and multinucleated cells (MNCs) in rat and mouse marrow cultures alone and cocultured with the chondrogenic cell line, RCJ3.1C5.18 on different substrata. In mouse marrow cultured in 35 mm dishes, few TRAP+ MNCs developed, while in rat marrow cultures, many TRAP+ MNCs, which possessed calcitonin receptors and resorbed bone, developed. In both rat and mouse cultures, TRAP+ MNC first appeared at Day 4 and grew in number up to Day 8. When both marrows were cocultured with RC3.1C5.18 cells, TRAP+ colony numbers increased relative to marrow alone. In marrow …

Ultrastructural Observations Of Peri-Implant Mucosa Morphology Around Different Types Of Abutment In Humans, C. Piacentini, P. Lanzarini, R. Rodriguez Y Baena, S. Rizzo, C. Brusotti

Cells and Materials

Scanning electron microscopy (SFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine the morphological aspects of peri-implant mucosa around abutments of differing geometry (biconical and cylindrical) and of differing surface micromorphology. The samples were taken from seven patients who had undergone implant surgery at least one year prior to the study. In samples from biconical abutments, SEM of the sulcular epithelium showed that it consisted of flattened polygonal cells with a surface resembling a honeycomb. Superficial desquamation was rarely found. In contrast, in the samples from cylindrical abutments, the sulcular epithelium showed extensive desquamation and surface irregularity, but not …

Fractals, Surface Roughness, And Fracture Toughness Of Dental Composite And Unfilled Resin Fracture Surfaces, James L. Drummond

Cells and Materials

The intent of this project was to evaluate whether or not there exists a correlation between fractal dimension, surface roughness, and fracture toughness of an unfilled resin and a filled composite. The fracture surfaces of the unfilled resin and the filled composite were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and a surface roughness measuring device. The specimens examined were aged in distilled water or air at 37°C for up to 12 months. Line scans of 1.4 µm for the atomic force microscope and 0.25 mm for the surface analyzer across the fracture surface were conducted on each specimen. Comparisons …

Bone Marrow Cell Colonization Of, And Extracellular Matrix Expression On, Biodegradable Polymers, C. E. Holy, M. S. Shoichet, J. E. Davies

Cells and Materials

Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)s (PLGAs) have been proposed as substrata for bone tissue engineering. In the experiments reported herein, we sought to identify the optimum lactide to glycolide ratio, from the series 85:15, 75:25, 50:50, or poly-(DL-lactide) (PLA), for the elaboration of bone matrix by cultured rat bone marrow cells (RBMC) on two-dimensional substrates. Having identified PLGA 75:25 as the optimum for bone matrix elaboration by RBMC, we produced three dimensional foams from this copolymer. For the two dimensional substrata, glass coverslips were spin-coated with one of the PLGAs, or PLA. Cultures were maintained for two weeks. We employed a new technique to …

Alloy Oxidation And Porcelain Fused To Alloy Interaction In Noble Alloy Systems, M. S. Bapna, H. J. Mueller

Cells and Materials

The oxidation and porcelain fusion characteristics of noble alloys containing a variety of minor oxidizable elements, including Cu, Sn, In, Ga, Mn, and Fe were investigated. Four porcelain alloys systems: a Pd-base alloy (Naturelle}, two Pd-Ag-based alloys (Jelstar and Acclaim}, and a high Au-alloy (SMG-3) were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy after being heat treated and after being fused with porcelain. Internal oxidation of minor alloying elements occurred within several micrometers from the surface in all four alloys. Surface nodules as detected by other investigators for a Pd-Ag alloy were also detected in this study. Evidence …

A Novel In Vitro Model To Study The Calcification Of Biomaterials, Q. Liu, J. Weng, J. G. C. Wolke, J. R. De Wijn, C. A. Van Blitterswijk

Cells and Materials

A novel in vitro model based on a solution mainly composed of sodium, calcium, chloride and phosphate ions, was developed to study the calcification of biomaterials at near physiological conditions. This model, due to its ability to quickly calcify the tested materials, is called Accelerated Calcification Solution (ACS). Polyactive ™ 30170, Polyactive™ 70/30 and its composites with nano-apatite were used as testing materials because of their known calcification behaviour. The results showed that Polyactive™ 70/30 and its composites could calcify in ACS in a relatively short period, while the polymer without filler failed to induce calcium phosphate precipitation in more …

Peripheral Nerve Regeneration And Functional Nerve Recovery After Reconstruction With A Thin-Walled Biodegradable Poly(Dl-Lactide-Ε-Caprolactone) Nerve Guide, M. F. Meek, W. F. A. Den Dunnen, H. L. Bartels, A. J. Pennings, P. H. Robinson, J. M. Schakenraad

Cells and Materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate functional nerve recovery after reconstruction of a 1 em gap in the sciatic nerve of the rat, with a thin-walled biodegradable poly(DLLA-ε-CL) nerve guide. To evaluate both motor and sensory nerve recovery, walking track analysis and electrostimulation tests were carried out after implantation periods ranging from 3 to 26 weeks post-operatively. The first signs of functional nerve recovery could already be observed after 5 weeks. From the histological analysis, it could be concluded that most of the thin-walled nerve guides had collapsed. Despite collapsing, functional nerve recovery was relatively good after 26 …

Irrigation Performance Measures: Efficiency And Uniformity, C. M. Burt, A. J. Clemmens, T. S. Strelkoff, K. H. Solomon, R. D. Bliesner, L. A. Hardy, T. A. Howell, Dean E. Eisenhauer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

It is essential to standardize the definitions and approaches to quantifying various irrigation performance measures. The ASCE Task Committee on Defining Irrigation Efficiency and Uniformity provides a comprehensive examination of various performance indices such as irrigation efficiency, application efficiency, irrigation sagacity, distribution uniformity, and others. Consistency is provided among different irrigation methods and different scales. Clarification of common points of confusion is provided, and methods are proposed whereby the accuracy of numerical values of the performance indicators can be assessed. This issue has two companion papers that provide more detailed information on statistical distribution uniformity and the accuracy of irrigation …

A New Model Of High Temperature Low Cycle Fatigue Life Prediction - Applicability With Low Alloy Steels, Tarun Goswami

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

Creep-fatigue data on low alloy steels were collected from National Research Institute for Metals (NRIM) Tokyo, Japan. These data were generated for lCr-Mo-V, 2.25Cr-Mo, and 9Cr-lMo steels under a wide range of test conditions. A new creep-fatigue life prediction method was developed and data compiled were assessed to examine the applicability of the new method. A brief review of the empirically based, phenomenological life prediction methods was presented where no method was found to be applicable universally to all the creep-fatigue data. The new model was developed within the viscosity concepts, in which the damage parameter was accounted for in …

Dwell Sensitivity Fatigue Behaviour Of High Temperature Materials, Tarun Goswami, G. R. Halford, D. W. Hoeppner

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

The dwell sensitivity fatigue behavior of six high temperature materials is examined in this paper: two stainless steels, 304L and 304, two tantalum alloys, Τ- Ι 11 and ASTAR 811C, pure nickel Ni 201 and a single crystal nickel-base superalloy, PWA 1480. The stainless steel alloys were found to be tensile dwell sensitive; however, a saturation in dwell sensitivity was found with the increase in strain range for all materials examined. At lower strain ranges the dwell cycles were producing lower lives than at higher strains, as found in the case of AISI SS 304 and two tantalum based alloys, …

Review Of Pit Nucleation, Growth And Pitting Corrosion Fatigue Mechanisms, Tarun Goswami, D. W. Hoeppner

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper presents a review of the state of the art developments in the pitting corrosion fatigue of aircraft structural materials. Mechanisms that govern the nucleation and growth of pitting and corrosion fatigue (CF) are briefly addressed. Some of the developments made in the author's laboratories in proposing the fretting induced pit nucleation and growth mechanisms, analysis of the hidden corrosion constituents in fuselage joints and pitting corrosion fatigue crack growth (PCFCG) model are elucidated. An epistemology of the topic is presented which will be of assistance to the community working in this area.

The Effects Of Machining On Structure And Tribological Properties Of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene For Artificial Joint Prostheses, Jinshan Song

Masters Theses

Understanding the effect of machining on the structure and property of subsurface layer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) can significantly facilitate the increase in longevity of artificial joints. This study was performed to investigate the machining effects on the polymeric structure and tribological properties. Machining parameters include cutting speed, tool feed rate and depth of cut. Temperature rise was studied during machining to assess the extent of thermal degradation due to machining. Polymeric structure of the semicrystalline polymer was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in terms of melting enthalpy, crystallinity and melting temperature. Surface texture and hardness …

Adsorption And Desorption Of Phosphorus And Nitrogen By Immersed Stalks, John E. Gilley, B. Eghball, David B. Marx

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Adsorption and desorption of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) by stalk residues may influence the concentrations of P and N in runoff. A laboratory study was conducted to measure the effects of P and N constituents in solution on adsorption and desorption of P and N by corn, soybean, and wheat stalk residues. Experimental variables included type of stalk material (corn, soybean, and wheat), inorganic nutrients in solution (PO₄-P and NO₃-N; PO₄-P and NH₄-N; NO₃-N and NH₄-N; and PO₄-P, NO₃-N, and NH₄-N), …

Corrosion Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior Of Aircraft Materials, Tarun Goswami, D. W. Hoeppner

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

The effects of test parameters on the corrosion fatigue crack growth behavior of structural materials have been examined in this paper. Test parameters such as stress ratio, frequency, hold time, temperature, pH level of the media, and other parameters are known to alter the corrosion fatigue crack growth rates in structural materials. Numerous laboratory test variables that affect the crack growth and/or corrosion growth rates, which in an operating environment of an aircraft are not characterized, are reviewed. A summary of such information may help determine the inspection intervals of the new and aged airplanes, perform the inspections, and develop …

Simulating The Distribution Of Axon Size In Nerves, Robert B. Szlavik, Hubert De Bruin

Biomedical Engineering

The electrical excitation threshold of a nerve axon is dependent upon the physical properties of the axon membrane as well as the axon diameter. Histological studies have confirmed that peripheral afferent muscle nerves have a characteristic distribution of axon diameters. We approximate a probability density function for this distribution that consists of the summation of several Gaussian functions. A transformation technique is then applied for the random generation of the nerve axon diameters from uniformly distributed random numbers. For the example presented, the resultant distribution of peripheral afferent muscle nerve axon diameters conforms approximately to the characteristic distribution that has …

Selected Physical Properties Of Jointed Goatgrass (Aegilops Cylindrica Host.), C. M. Hubbard, Curtis L. Weller, David D. Jones

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Selected physical properties of jointed goatgrass samples collected in western Nebraska and eastern Colorado were determined. Measured properties were spikelet dimensions (length 10.8 ± 0.35 mm; width 2.59 ± 0.25 mm), particle density (0.761 ± 0.016 g/m³), bulk density (351 ± 26.9 kg/m³), terminal velocity (301 ± 25.9 m/min), angle of repose (26.3 ± 0.286°), internal coefficient of friction (0.494 ± 0.007), and equilibrium moisture contents at 10% RH (6.56 ± 1.03% w.b.), 30% RH (7.43 ± 1.21% w.b.), 50% RH (9.01 ± 0.67% w.b.), 70% RH (11.89 ± 0.61% w.b.), and 90% RH (20.39 ± …

Optimization Of Sulfur Dioxide And Lactic Acid Steeping Concentrations For Wet-Milling Of Grain Sorghum, R. A. Buffo, Curtis L. Weller, A. M. Parkhurst

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Influence of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and lactic acid (LA) on grain sorghum steeping efficiency in terms of wet-milling characteristics was investigated using response surface analysis. Tested ranges of concentrations in steeping water were 0.050 to 0.278% and 0 to 0.282% for SO₂ and LA, respectively. Measured wet-milling variables were steeping solids yield, starch yield, protein yield, fiber/germ yield, starch recovery, protein recovery and protein content of starch. Starch and protein recovery values were highly correlated to each other (r = 0.74). Correlations of these attributes with fiber/germ yield were strongly negative (r = –0.96 and r = …

Cast Films From Soy Protein Isolates And Fractions, L. A. Kunte, A. Gennadios, S. L. Cuppett, M. A. Hanna, Curtis L. Weller

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Glycerol-plasticized soy protein films were cast from alkaline aqueous film-forming solutions of laboratory-prepared 7S, 11S, and soy isolate (LSI) fractions and from commercial soy isolate (CSI). Tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), water vapor permeability (WVP), total soluble matter (TSM), protein solubility (PS), and Hunter L, a, and b color values of these films were determined. The 11S films had greater TS than 7S films (P < 0.05), while LSI films had greater TS than CSI films (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected among mean E values and among mean WVP values of all films (P > 0.05). The 7S films had higher TSM and PS values than 11S films (P < 0.05). CSI films were significantly darker (lower L value) and more yellow (greater positive b value) than LSI films (P < 0.05).

Films From Laboratory-Extracted Sorghum Kafirin, Roberto A. Buffo, Curtis L. Weller, Aristippos Gennadios

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

There has been increased interest in development of biopolymer films and coatings from protein, polysaccharide, and lipid materials in recent years. The qualities of renewability, degradability, compostability, and edibility make such films particularly appealing for food and nonfood packaging applications. Moreover, wide commercialization of biopolymer films will provide a value-added innovative use for traditional agricultural commodities as sources of film-forming materials. Research findings on production, properties, and potential applications of edible films have been reviewed (Krochta 1992, Conca and Yang 1993, Gontard and Guilbert 1994). Protein films in particular have been discussed in detail by Gennadios et al (1994a) and …

Nutrient, Carbon, And Mass Loss During Composting Of Beef Cattle Feedlot Manure, Bahman Eghball, James F. Power, John E. Gilley, John W. Doran

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Quantification of nutrient and mass loss during composting is needed to understand the composting process, to implement methods for nutrient conservation, and to reduce potential adverse environmental impact. Beef cattle feedlot manure was composted in a windrow on an open concrete area in 1992, 1993, and 1994 to determine the amounts of nutrient, C, and mass loss during composting. The area was enclosed on all sides with a 0.2 m high metal sheet to direct runoff to a fiberglass tank (4000 L) during rainfall. Nutrients in runoff represented combined runoff and leaching losses. Nutrients, C, and mass loss during composting …

Using Kriging To Interpolate Spatially Distributed Volumetric Medical Data, Stephen M. Matechik

Theses and Dissertations

Routine cases in diagnostic radiology require the interpolation of volumetric medical imaging data sets. Inaccurate renditions of interpolated volumes can lead to the misdiagnosis of a patient's condition. It is therefore essential that interpolated modality space estimates accurately portray patient space. Kriging is investigated in this research to interpolate medical imaging volumes. Kriging requires data to be spatially distributed. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is shown to exhibit spatially regionalized characteristics such that it can be modeled using regionalized variables and subsequently be interpolated using kriging. A comprehensive, automated, three-dimensional structural analysis of the MRI data is accomplished to …

Pulse Coupled Neural Networks For The Segmentation Of Magnetic Resonance Brain Images, Shane L. Abrahamson

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops an automated method for segmenting Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain images based on Pulse Coupled Neural Networks (PCNN). MR brain image segmentation has proven difficult, primarily due to scanning artifacts such as interscan and intrascan intensity inhomogeneities. The method developed and presented here uses a PCNN to both filter and segment MR brain images. The technique begins by preprocessing images with a PCNN filter to reduce scanning artifacts. Images are then contrast enhanced via histogram equalization. Finally, a PCNN is used to segment the images to arrive at the final result. Modifications to the original PCNN model are …

Evaluation Of Segmentation For Bone Structures In 3d Rendering Of Ultrasound Residual Limb Images, Min C. Baker

Theses and Dissertations

Prosthetists today widely practice manual socket fitting, which produces subjective, inconsistent results. To address this problem, the Computerized Anthropometry Research and Design (CARD) Laboratory is developing a computer-aided socket design system that acquires ultrasound datasets of an amputee's residual limb, creates a 3D model, and helps identify load- bearing and pressure-relief areas. This research project focuses on providing 3D visualization of a residual limb to support the CARD Laboratory's efforts. Creating the 3D model of the skin and two bone contours requires two major steps: segmentation to identify the objects of interest and a surface tracking algorithm to generate the …

Clustered Microcalcification Detection Using Optimized Difference Of Gaussians, Edward M. Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to design an automated microcalcification detection system to be used as an aid in radiologic mammogram interpretation. This research proposes the following methodology for clustered microcalcification detection. First, preprocess the digitized film mammogram to reduce digitization noise. Second, spatially filter the image with a difference of Gaussians (DoG) kernel. To detect potential microcalcifications, segment the filtered image using global and local thresholding. Next, cluster and index these detections into regions of interest (ROIs). Identify ROIs on the digitized image (or hardcopy printout) for final radiologic diagnosis.

Mechanisms Of Cytokine-Mediated Localized Immunoprotection., Nora Sarvetnick

Journal Articles: Regenerative Medicine

No abstract provided.