Engineering Commons^™

Multi-Scale Visualization Of Molecular Architecture Using Real-Time Ambient Occlusion In Sculptor, Manuel Wahle, Willy Wriggers

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The modeling of large biomolecular assemblies relies on an efficient rendering of their hierarchical architecture across a wide range of spatial level of detail. We describe a paradigm shift currently under way in computer graphics towards the use of more realistic global illumination models, and we apply the so-called ambient occlusion approach to our opensource multi-scale modeling program, Sculptor. While there are many other higher quality global illumination approaches going all the way up to full GPU-accelerated ray tracing, they do not provide size-specificity of the features they shade. Ambient occlusion is an aspect of global lighting that offers great …

Brainstorm Radiation Systems Inc, Calia Battista, Leah Krichbaum, Lauren Wickert, Cody George, Ryan Manges

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Many different designs have been created to immobilize patients for radiation therapy of the head and neck. Options exist which result in varying degrees of patient comfort, radiation attenuation, and limitation of movement. While one requirement can be met effectively, it is difficult to design a system which adequately meets all requirements for radiation therapy. Brainstorm Radiation Systems aims to address all of these variables and transform the patient and technician experience during radiation treatment. The requirements for our head and neck immobilization design were to immobilize the patient within 3mm of movement for at least 30 minutes, and must …

Sports Innovations Track Jack, Kyle Kvasnicka

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Working with Adaptive Sports Ohio we set out to help individuals with handicaps the ability to play and compete in sports and other athletic activities. Our goal was to create a device that will lift a track wheel chair off the ground so that the athlete in the chair is able to practice without movement. Our design had to be economical, stable, transportable, and allow rotation of the rear tires without causing translational movement of the chair. To accomplish this our group modified a screw jack for a car to support the rear axle of the track wheelchair. We then …

Nasa Limited Inflight Lab Sensor, Gregory P. Howard, James C. Hanreck

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently developing the capabilities needed to send humans to Mars in 2030 for a three year mission. Astronaut health must be monitored monthly during such a lengthy mission. The UA Enterprise Senior Design Team worked to design a reusable, novel blood panel cartridge system to monitor astronaut health and to minimize waste production. Most current cartridges are composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). PDMS microchannels were fabricated to conduct simple proof of concept experiments for the design of a novel cartridge. To determine an ideal blood cleaning solution, bovine blood will be injected into …

Foley Catheter Priming Device, Melissa A. Boswell, Landon Davis, Renee Horn, Tyler Grubb, Jason Green

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A lack of a pressure gradient throughout the catheter prevents urine flow from the bladder and through catheter system in a condition referred to as “air-lock.” The purpose of this project was to design a device that could be utilized by person with a catheter faced with the problem of air-lock to restore urine flow and normal functioning of the catheter system. After a prototype was created, the device was put through a series of tests to insure proper functioning, absence of leakage, and durability. The device created can be added in-line with the catheter system, inconspicuously under the user’s …

Power Soccer Footguard Attachment System, Allison Hubbell, Vivian Kontoveros, Andrew Mcclain, Lauren Monsanty

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this research project was to develop a new method of attaching a footguard to the front of a power wheelchair to be used in the adaptive sport, power soccer. Completion of this project was requested by Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (A.S.P.O.). It was requested that Limitless Sports Solutions, a team of Biomedical Engineering students, create a new design which would be more efficient, have less moving parts, and be easier to attach overall than the system currently being used by A.S.P.O. During the scope of this project, research was conducted on other existing systems and several …

New Design For Prefilled Syringe, Katherine R. Delozier, Sarah Snyder, Jennifer Drombetta, Douglas Cale Crowder

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Prefilled syringes are currently available as treatment options for individuals with diabetes, allergies, and other medical conditions mandating delivery of drugs by injection. However current prefilled syringes are often bulky, conspicuous, require specific storage conditions, and may prematurely deploy. Because of these factors, patients may be less compliant to treatment regimens and feel that their lifestyles and independence are inhibited. The newly designed prefilled syringe should be portable, practical, and easy-to-use. This project will be completed for Bionix Corporation located in Toledo, OH. Our contacts at this company are Mr. Ed Markewitz, Product Development Program Manager, and Mr. Cody Harder, …

Mangled Extremity Simulator, Abigail Miller, Jonathan Clevenger, Nadia Gaskins

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Modified Cervical Collar To Eliminate Overheating And Dysphagia Side Effects, Elizabeth M. Rondinelli, Katharine J. Hodgson, Samantha L. Ballash, Jessica C. Augustynovich

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Currently, thousands of people each year require the use of a rigid cervical collar. The collars are used in situations of emergency, as well as in situations of precaution, when spinal injury is or may be present. There are many different styles and sizes of cervical collars available on the market today; however, common side effects are noticed when wearing the collars that may reduce the effectiveness to the patient. Often patients complain of general discomfort issues or may suffer from more serious side effects such as pressure sores, increased intracranial pressure, dysphagia, and abnormal distraction within the upper spine. …

Shotblocker® - Bionix® Senior Design, Samuel Dockery

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

No abstract provided.

Click Chemistry Protein Immobilization, James P. Kraley

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The main purpose of the first part in the lab was to try and determine a way to measure the moles of dye per mole of protein in order to detect an azide tag on a recombinantly produced azide-IFN-γ protein. This was done by using click chemistry to bind the azide tagged protein to a dye and then measured the azide tag efficiency. The main purpose of the second part of the project was to make a protein, SDF-1α, and tag it with an azide group. This was completed via processes of expression, isolation, and purification of the protein. From …

Evaluation Of The Signature Molecular Descriptor With Blosum62 And An All-Atom Description For Use In Sequence Alignment Of Proteins, Lindsay M. Aichinger

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This Honors Project focused on a few aspects of this topic. The second is comparing the molecular signature kernels to three of the BLOSUM matrices (30, 62, and 90) to test the accuracy of the mathematical model. The kernel matrix was manipulated in order to improve the relationship by focusing on side groups and also by changing how the structure was represented in the matrix by increasing the initial height distance from the central atom (Height 1 and Height 2 included).

There were multiple design constraints for this project. The first was the comparison with the BLOSUM matrices (30, 62, …

Optimizing Strategies For Population-Based Chlamydia Infection Screening Among Young Women: An Age-Structured System Dynamics Approach Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Yu Teng, Nan Kong, Wanzhu Tu

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Background

Chlamydia infection (CT) is one of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases. It is often referred to as a “silent” disease with the majority of infected people having no symptoms. Without early detection, it can progress to serious reproductive and other health problems. Economical identification of asymptomatically infected is a key public health challenge. Increasing evidence suggests that CT infection risk varies over the range of adolescence. Hence, age-dependent screening strategies with more frequent testing for certain age groups of higher risk may be cost-saving in controlling the disease.

Methods

We study the optimization of age-dependent screening strategies …

Reducing Error Rates In Intelligence, Surveillance, And Reconnaissance (Isr) Anomaly Detection Via Information Presentation Optimization, Donald Glen Church

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In the ISR domain, time-critical decision-making and dealing with multiple information feeds places high demands on the human. When designing aids and tools, the decision maker must be taken into account. This research looks toward designing a decision aid based the personality type of the operator. The BFI is used to determine the impact of personality and decision aid type (graphical vs. textual) on performance. Results show Openness and Agreeableness to be the strongest single factors for decision aid impact on performance. A model was also developed to show how the human takes the information and relates it to a …

The Origin Of Korotkoff Sounds And The Accuracy Of Auscultatory Blood Pressure Measurements, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study explores the hypothesis that the sharper, high frequency Korotkoff sounds come from resonant motion of the arterial wall, which begins after the artery transitions from a buckled state to an expanding state. The motion of one mass, two nonlinear springs, and one damper, driven by transmural pressure under the cuff, are used to model and compute the Korotkoff sounds according to principles of classical Newtonian physics. The natural resonance of this spring-mass-damper system provides a concise, yet rigorous, explanation for the origin of Korotkoff sounds. Fundamentally, wall stretching in expansion requires more force than wall bending in buckling. …

Multi-Surface Simplex Spine Segmentation For Spine Surgery Simulation And Planning, Rabia Haq

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research proposes to develop a knowledge-based multi-surface simplex deformable model for segmentation of healthy as well as pathological lumbar spine data. It aims to provide a more accurate and robust segmentation scheme for identification of intervertebral disc pathologies to assist with spine surgery planning. A robust technique that combines multi-surface and shape statistics-aware variants of the deformable simplex model is presented. Statistical shape variation within the dataset has been captured by application of principal component analysis and incorporated during the segmentation process to refine results. In the case where shape statistics hinder detection of the pathological region, user-assistance is …

Application And Histology-Driven Refinement Of Active Contour Models To Functional Region And Nerve Delineation: Towards A Digital Brainstem Atlas, Nimal Patel, Sharmin Sultana, Tanweer Rashid, Dean Krusienski, Michel A. Audette

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper presents a methodology for the digital formatting of a printed atlas of the brainstem and the delineation of cranial nerves from this digital atlas. It also describes on-going work on the 3D resampling and refinement of the 2D functional regions and nerve contours. In MRI-based anatomical modeling for neurosurgery planning and simulation, the complexity of the functional anatomy entails a digital atlas approach, rather than less descriptive voxel or surface-based approaches. However, there is an insufficiency of descriptive digital atlases, in particular of the brainstem. Our approach proceeds from a series of numbered, contour-based sketches coinciding with slices …

Primary Cilia Mechanotransduction And Microtubule Stability In Mechanically Stretched Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells, Monika Rassi Radhika

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of microtubule based organelle, the primary cilia in lung adenocarcinoma by i) Quantifying the presence of primary cilia in several Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cell lines in response to mechanical stimuli, ii) Attempting to determine the role of primary cilia in cell migration, iii) Investigating the effects of Paclitaxel(Taxol) resistance in lung cancer cells, iv) Analyzing the response of lung cancer cells to Smoothened Inhibitors and v) Determining the effects of Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1(TGF-β1) induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition(EMT) in lung cancer cells. To ascertain the effects …

Ex Vivo Dna Cloning, Adam B. Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

Genetic engineering of microbes has developed rapidly along with our ability to synthesize DNA de novo. Yet, even with decreasing DNA synthesis costs there remains a need for inexpensive, rapid and reliable methods for assembling synthetic DNA into larger constructs or combinatorial libraries. While technological advances have resulted in powerful techniques for in vitro and in vivo assembly of DNA, each suffers inherent disadvantages. Here, an ex vivo DNA cloning suite using crude cellular lysates derived from E. coli is demonstrated to amplify and assemble DNA containing small sequence homologies. Further, the advantages of an ex vivo approach are …

Evaluation Of A Novel Myoelectric Training Device, Joshua A. Arenas

Theses and Dissertations

Recent technological developments have implemented the use of proportional control in prosthetic hands, giving rise to the importance of appropriate myoelectric control. EMG models in the past have assumed a linear proportionality to simplify the EMG-force relationships. However, it has been shown that a non-linear EMG-force relationship may be a more effective model. This study focused on evaluating three different control algorithms for a novel myoelectric training device, consisting of a toy car controlled by EMG signals from the distal muscles in the arm. Sixteen healthy adult subjects (5 male and 11 female) with an average age of 23.6 years …

Manipulation Of Gold Nanorod Physicochemical Properties To Enhance Biocompatibility, Uptake And Intracellular Preservation Of Optical Properties For Bio-Imaging And Plasmonic Photo-Therapeutic Applications, Anthony B. Polito

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Gold nanorods (GNRs) due to their tunable optical properties within the near infrared (NIR) region have been identified as strong candidates for new nano-based biomedical applications. Unfortunately, many have reported GNR cytotoxicity and it is still unclear how GNR aspect ratio (AR), surface charge and surface chemistry contribute to cellular association and cytotoxicity. GNR surface chemistry modifications have been reported to reduce cytotoxicity, however they can result in poor cellular uptake and loss of NIR optical properties preventing efficiency with bio-imaging and photo-thermal applications. The aim of this study was to determine if manipulation of GNR physicochemical properties could enhance …

The Organization Of Kv2.1 Channel Proteins In The Membrane Of Spinal Motoneurons: Regulation By Injury And Cellular Activity, Shannon Hunt Romer

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The intrinsic membrane properties of neurons in the central nervous system are controlled by the tight regulation of membrane-bound ion channels. Rather than existing as static entities operating only in opened or closed states in fixed locations, ion channels are dynamic molecules with the capacity to adopt multiple functional states through conformational changes and/or post-translational modification - enabling flexibility in their activity. Furthermore, the location of ion channels within certain membrane compartments and/or signaling ensembles is critical to synaptic integration and shaping of firing properties, and can also be dynamically modified by changes in neuronal activity and pathology. In mammalian …

An Improved Adaptive Filtering Approach For Removing Artifact From The Electroencephalogram, Justin Ronald Estepp

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The biophysics of volume conduction that enable electrophysiological data acquisition also result in the mixing of data sources including possible, undesirable noise sources at the electrode interface. This work specifically focuses on improving the performance of the recursive least-squares (RLS) adaptive filtering method for removing eye movement artifact from the electroencephalogram. In biophysically-inspired simulated data, the RLS algorithm is verified to produce results that are inferior to extended infomax independent component analysis (ICA), the most widely used artifact correction approach in this problem space, due to its non-linear filter phase response and the presence of bidirectional contamination, or cross-talk, resultant …

Regulation Of Motoneuron Firing Properties: Intrinsic And Circuit-Based Mechanisms, Adam S. Deardorff

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Body and limb movements are controlled by regulating the activity of motor pools and their constituent motoneurons. An extensive complement of tightly regulated ion channels and second messenger systems determine active motoneuron spiking behavior, while segmental propriospinal circuits ensure the faithful execution of motor commands by providing real time sensory feedback to motoneurons and other somatosensory centers. However, current mechanistic understanding is incomplete for critical factor regulating motoneuron firing properties. Fundamental gaps in knowledge exist regarding (a) the spatial distribution and organization of specific ion channels in motoneurons, (b) the contribution of specific channels to motoneuron intrinsic properties, (c) the …

Evaluating Warehouse Strategies For Two-Product Class Distribution Planning, Bradley R. Guthrie

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Distribution networks often manage products with varying life-cycles, where demand for some products is relatively stable throughout the year (basic products) and the demand for others is short-lived (fashion products). Beyond the coordination of inventory and transportation decisions, decisions at the warehouse must be considered as its resources are frequently shared by both product classes simultaneously. For this two-product class distribution planning problem, we focus on characterizing three real-world distribution strategies observed in industry and evaluating them based on total distribution cost and warehouse measures (e.g., workforce plan and workload variation) against a benchmark ILS-based heuristic. Experimental results suggest that …

A Novel Function For Fancj Helicase In Microsatellite Stabilization During Replication Stress, Joanna Barthelemy

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Noncanonical DNA structure-forming sequences, such as hairpin structures, stall replication forks in vivo, expand or contract during DNA replication, and colocalize with chromosome fragile sites. Since the frequency of hairpin formation is higher than the frequency of expansion or contraction, the cell may possess mechanisms to resolve hairpin structures prior to replication fork stalling. One possible activity for hairpin resolution is the FANCJ DNA helicase, known to unwind noncanoncial DNA structures in vitro. Indeed, mutations or loss of any of the nineteen FANC genes, including FANCJ, leads to genome instability and the cancer-prone syndrome Fanconi anemia (FA). To test whether …

Silver Nanoparticles: The Immediate Benefits Of Low Bacterial Resistance And The Long-Term Risk Of Persistent Stress In Mammalian Cells, David Harold Ellis

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Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the fastest growing sector of nanotechnology, due mostly to their antibacterial properties. The antibacterial effectiveness of AgNPs is well known and derives from the shedding of silver ions which have multiple antibacterial targets in the bacterial cell. Due to their continuous release of ions and demonstrated antibacterial potency, some predict that AgNPs have a low potential for resistance development, which would make them a valuable asset in wound management. The ability for AgNPs to cause oxidative imbalance in mammalian cells is also well known, but the potential long-term impact of such a stress has not been …

Design Of A Low-Cost Wireless Nirs System With Embedded Linux And A Smartphone Interface, Diogo Da Silva Dias

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Wireless near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) systems can help to reduce movement artifacts, and distraction due cables. Utilizing Embedded Linux (EL) can reduce size, development time, cost of a project and allow portability. The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost wireless small-sized NIRS system using EL and a Smartphone as the interface. This was achieved using a BeagleBone Black (BBB) with a deployed custom EL that: (1) controls two sources, (2) receives data from photodetectors (PDs), (3) processes, stores and transmits data via Bluetooth to an Android Smartphone. This device was implemented in under US$150 and its dimension was …

Neural Correlates Of Convergence Eye Movements In Convergence Insufficiency Patients Vs Normal Binocular Vision Controls: An Fmri Study, Chirag Bharatkumar Limbachia

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Convergence Insufficiency is a binocular vision disorder, characterized by reduced ability of performing convergence eye movements. Absence of convergence causes, eye strain, blurred vision, doubled vision, headaches, and difficulty reading due frequent loss of place. These symptoms commonly occur during near work. The purpose of this study was to quantify neural correlates associated with convergence eye movements in convergence insufficient (CI) patients vs. normal binocular vision (NBV) controls, and to examine statistical differences between them. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were collected using a 3T Siemens scanner. A disparity-driven convergence task was designed using a standard block design approach, …

Measuring Brain Activation Through Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Fmri) During Visual Task Learning, Mohd Saif Usmani

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The purpose of this study is to understand the brain activity associated with learning a visual task by utilizing the applications of functional magnetic resonance imaging in cognitive neuroscience. The study was performed using two visual tasks referred to as aircraft and control, respectively. We compared the brain activation of these two visual tasks to understand the learning process of the participants. Fifteen young adults, ten males and five females, ranging in age from 19 to 35 years, participated in a ten-week study. Eight participants dropped out either voluntarily or were excluded for different reasons. The data analysis was completed …