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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 6.

A Finite Element Model of the Lower Limb for Simulating Automotive Impacts.
Abstract A finite element (FE) model of a vehicle occupant's lower limb was developed in this study to improve understanding of injury mechanisms during traffic crashes. The reconstructed geometry of a male volunteer close to the anthropometry of a 50th percentile male was meshed using mostly hexahedral and quadrilateral elements to enhance the computational efficiency of the model. The material and structural properties were selected based on a synthesis of current knowledge of the constitutive models for each tissue. The models of the femur, tibia, and leg were validated against Post-Mortem Human Surrogate (PMHS)...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Untaroiu CD, Yue N, Shin J Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Characterizing the Collagen Fiber Orientation in Pericardial Leaflets Under Mechanical Loading Conditions.
Abstract When implanted inside the body, bioprosthetic heart valve leaflets experience a variety of cyclic mechanical stresses such as shear stress due to blood flow when the valve is open, flexural stress due to cyclic opening and closure of the valve, and tensile stress when the valve is closed. These types of stress lead to a variety of failure modes. In either a natural valve leaflet or a processed pericardial tissue leaflet, collagen fibers reinforce the tissue and provide structural integrity such that the very thin leaflet can stand enormous loads related to cyclic pressure changes. The mechanical response o...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Alavi SH, Ruiz V, Krasieva T, Botvinick EL, Kheradvar A Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Error Mechanisms of the Oscillometric Fixed-Ratio Blood Pressure Measurement Method.
This study may have important implications when using the fixed-ratio method, particularly in subjects with arterial disease. PMID: 23180030 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Liu J, Hahn JO, Mukkamala R Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Analytical study of a microfludic DNA amplification chip using water cooling effect.
Abstract A novel continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) chip has been analyzed in our work. Two temperature zones are controlled by two external controllers and the other temperature zone at the chip center is controlled by the flow rate of the fluid inside a channel under the glass chip. By employing a water cooling channel at the chip center, the sequence of denaturation, annealing, and extension can be created due to the forced convection effect. The required annealing temperature of PCR less than 313 K can also be demonstrated in this chip. The Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) cooling channel with the...
Source: Biomedical Microdevices - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Chen JJ, Shen CM, Ko YW Tags: Biomed Microdevices Source Type: research

IB-LBM simulation of the haemocyte dynamics in a stenotic capillary.
Abstract To study the behaviour of a haemocyte when crossing a stenotic capillary, the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method was used to establish a quantitative analysis model. The haemocyte was assumed to be spherical and to have an elastic cell membrane, which can be driven by blood flow to adopt a highly deformable character. In the stenotic capillary, the spherical blood cell was stressed both by the flow and the wall dimension, and the cell shape was forced to be stretched to cross the stenosis. Our simulation investigated the haemocyte crossing process in detail. The velocity and pressure were anatomise...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Yuan-Qing X, Xiao-Ying T, Fang-Bao T, Yu-Hua P, Yong X, Yan-Jun Z Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research

Computational framework to model and design surgical meshes for hernia repair.
Abstract Surgical procedures for hernia surgery are usually performed using prosthetic meshes. In spite of all the improvements in these biomaterials, the perfect match between the prosthesis and the implant site has not been achieved. Thus, new designs of surgical meshes are still being developed. Previous to implantation in humans, the validity of the meshes has to be addressed, and to date experimental studies have been the gold standard in testing and validating new implants. Nevertheless, these procedures involve long periods of time and are expensive. Thus, a computational framework for the simulation of pros...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Hernández-Gascón B, Espés N, Peña E, Pascual G, Bellón JM, Calvo B Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research

Modelling of global boundary effects on harmonic motion imaging of soft tissues.
In this study, a finite element (FE) model is developed to investigate the effect of global boundary conditions on the dynamic response of a soft tissue during HMI. The direct-solution steady-state dynamic analysis procedure is used to compute the harmonic displacement amplitude in FE simulations. The model is parameterised in terms of boundary conditions and viscoelastic properties, and the corresponding raster-scan displacement amplitudes are captured to examine its response. The effect of the model's global dimensions on the harmonic response is also investigated. It is observed that the dynamic response of soft tissue ...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Zhao X, Pelegri AA Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research

Nonlinear numerical analysis of the structural response of the intervertebral disc to impact loading.
In this study, the contribution of the characteristic structure of the disc to its dynamic response has been evaluated. The influence of several model features on the dynamic response was investigated. A hyperelastic large deformation formulation was used to describe the nonlinear behaviour of the soft tissues. The material parameters were determined by the fitting of experimental data from the literature. The model demonstrated pressure wave propagation and reflection through the disc, with a periodic oscillation of the system in response to a single impulse load, and highlighted a potential primary role played by the col...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Marini G, Ferguson SJ Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research

Force and torque modelling of drilling simulation for orthopaedic surgery.
Abstract The advent of haptic simulation systems for orthopaedic surgery procedures has provided surgeons with an excellent tool for training and preoperative planning purposes. This is especially true for procedures involving the drilling of bone, which require a great amount of adroitness and experience due to difficulties arising from vibration and drill bit breakage. One of the potential difficulties with the drilling of bone is the lack of consistent material evacuation from the drill's flutes as the material tends to clog. This clogging leads to significant increases in force and torque experienced by the sur...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - November 21, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Macavelia T, Ghasempoor A, Janabi-Sharifi F Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research

Correlation between dielectric property by dielectrophoretic levitation and growth activity of cells exposed to electric field.
Abstract The purpose of this study is to develop a system analyzing cell activity by the dielectrophoresis method. Our previous studies revealed a correlation between the growth activity and dielectric property (Re[K(ω)]) of mouse hybridoma 3-2H3 cells using dielectrophoretic levitation. Furthermore, it was clarified that the differentiation activity of many stem cells could be evaluated by the Re[K(ω)] without differentiation induction. In this paper, 3-2H3 cells exposed to an alternating current (AC) electric field or a direct current (DC) electric field were cultivated, and the influence of damage by the elect...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 20, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Hakoda M, Hirota Y Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Preparing spherical lignin from rice husk.
In this study, the regular sphere of lignin can be simply prepared from rice husk (RH) under certain conditions. Namely, RH is mixed with 35 % ethanol aqueous solution in the proportion of 1:10 (g:mL), non-isothermally heated to 493 K and kept for 5 h. After filtration and air-drying at room temperature, the regular lignin sphere with the diameter of 100-400 nm is obtained. The regular sphere of lignin has the potential utilization in fields such as reactive functional materials, photo sensing materials and surface active materials in cosmetics. The mechanism of formation of the regular spherical lignin is proposed and...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 20, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Zhang H, Zhao X, Ding X, Lei H, Wang Z Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Using fluorochemical as oxygen carrier to enhance the growth of marine microalga Nannochloropsis oculata.
In this study, we proposed to use fluorochemical as oxygen carrier to overcome the challenge where four liquid fluorochemicals namely perfluorooctyl bromide, perfluorodecalin, methoxynonafluorobutane, and ethoxynonafluorobutane were investigated separately. Our results showed that the microalgal proliferation with different fluorinated liquids was similar and comparable to the culture without a fluorochemical. When cultured in the photobioreactor with 60 % oxygen atmosphere, the N. oculata can grow up in all the fluorochemical photobioreactors, but completely inhibited in the chamber without a fluorochemical. Moreover, th...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 20, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Lee YH, Yeh YL, Lin KH, Hsu YC Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Editorial Board
Source: Medical Engineering and Physics - November 19, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Source Type: research

Probabilistic neural network approach for the detection of SAHS from overnight pulse oximetry
In this study, a novel multivariate system is proposed for SAHS detection from the analysis of overnight blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). 115 subjects with SAHS suspicion were studied. A starting set of 17 time domain, stochastic, frequency-domain and nonlinear features were initially computed from SpO2 recordings. Sequential forward feature selection and a probabilistic neural network with leave-one-out cross-validation were applied. Oxygen desaturations below a 4 % threshold within 30 s (ODI430), restorations of 4 % within 10 s (RES4), median value (Sat50), SD1 Poincaré descriptor and the relative ...
Source: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing - November 19, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Tags: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing Source Type: research

Optic disc detection in color fundus images using ant colony optimization
Abstract Diabetic retinopathy has been revealed as the most common cause of blindness among people of working age in developed countries. However, loss of vision could be prevented by an early detection of the disease and, therefore, by a regular screening program to detect retinopathy. Due to its characteristics, the digital color fundus photographs have been the easiest way to analyze the eye fundus. An important prerequisite for automation is the segmentation of the main anatomical features in the image, particularly the optic disc. Currently, there are many works reported in the literature with the purpo...
Source: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing - November 19, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Tags: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing Source Type: research

Ovarian Tumor Characterization and Classification Using Ultrasound—A New Online Paradigm
The objective of this work is to develop an adjunct computer-aided diagnostic technique that uses 3D ultrasound images of the ovary to accurately characterize and classify benign and malignant ovarian tumors. In this algorithm, we first extract features based on the textural changes and higher-order spectra information. The significant features are then selected and used to train and evaluate the decision tree (DT) classifier. The proposed technique was validated using 1,000 benign and 1,000 malignant images, obtained from ten patients with benign and ten with malignant disease, respectively. On evaluating the classif...
Source: Journal of Digital Imaging - November 19, 2012 Category: Radiology Tags: Journal of Digital Imaging Source Type: research

Clustering gene expression data using a diffraction-inspired framework
Conclusion: The results of the diffraction-based clustering algorithm presented in this paper suggest that the method can provide researchers with a new tool for successfully analysing microarray data.
Source: BioMedical Engineering OnLine - November 19, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Steven DingerMichael Van WykSergio CarmonaDavid Rubin Source Type: research

Accelerometry Reveals Differences in Gait Variability Between Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Healthy Controls.
Abstract Variability of movement reflects important information for the maintenance of the health of the system. For pathological populations, changes in variability during gait signal the presence of abnormal motor control strategies. For persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), extensive gait problems have been reported including changes in gait variability. While previous studies have focused on footfall variability, the present study used accelerometers on the trunk to measure variability during walking. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the variability of the acceleration pattern of the upper and l...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 18, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Huisinga JM, Mancini M, St George RJ, Horak FB Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Guest editorial introduction to the Special Issue on bio-hybrid systems and living machines.
PMID: 23160841 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Biomedical Microdevices - November 18, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Ricotti L, Menciassi A, Morishima K Tags: Biomed Microdevices Source Type: research

hERG drug response measured in droplet bilayers.
Abstract We show measurements of the human cardiac potassium ion channel K(v)11.1 (hERG) in droplet bilayers incorporated directly from commercial membrane preparations of HEK293 cells. Although we do not obtain ensemble conductance kinetics and rectification observed in patch clamp measurements of hERG, ensemble currents measured in our system showed inhibition dependent on astemizole and E-4031 concentration, with IC(50) values similar to those found with patch clamp. The availability of engineered HEK cells expressing a variety of ion channels, combined with the simplicity of the inhibition measurement, suggest ...
Source: Biomedical Microdevices - November 18, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Portonovo SA, Salazar CS, Schmidt JJ Tags: Biomed Microdevices Source Type: research

Quantification of Biomechanical Interaction of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Stent Deployed in Porcine and Ovine Hearts.
Abstract Success of the deployment and function in transcatheter aortic valve replacement is heavily reliant on the tissue-stent interaction. The present study quantified important tissue-stent contact variables of self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve stents when deployed into ovine and porcine aortic roots, such as the stent radial expansion force, stent pullout force, the annulus deformation response and the coefficient of friction on the tissue-stent contact interface. Braided Nitinol stents were developed, tested to determine stent crimped diameter vs. stent radial force from a stent crimp experiment, and ...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 17, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Mummert J, Sirois E, Sun W Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Linking the Development of Ventilator-Induced Injury to Mechanical Function in the Lung.
Abstract Management of ALI/ARDS involves supportive ventilation at low tidal volumes (V (t)) to minimize the rate at which ventilator induced lung injury (VILI) develops while the lungs heal. However, we currently have few details to guide the minimization of VILI in the ALI/ARDS patient. The goal of the present study was to determine how VILI progresses with time as a function of the manner in which the lung is ventilated in mice. We found that the progression of VILI caused by over-ventilating the lung at a positive end-expiratory pressure of zero is accompanied by progressive increases in lung stiffness a...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 16, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Smith BJ, Grant KA, Bates JH Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Intermittent, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for only eight weeks reduces arterial stiffness: evaluation by measurement of stiffness parameter and pressure–strain elastic modulus by use of ultrasonic echo tracking
Conclusions For healthy young subjects, β and E p were reduced by intermittent, moderate-intensity exercise training for only 8 weeks. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s10396-012-0408-1Authors Midori Tanaka, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, 7-2-1 Kamiohno, Himeji, Hyogo 670-8524, JapanMotoaki Sugawara, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Himeji Dokkyo University, 7-2-1 Kamiohno, Himeji, Hyogo 670-8524, JapanYasuo Ogasawara, Department of Medical Engineering, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, JapanTadafumi Izumi, Faculty...
Source: Journal of Medical Ultrasonics - November 14, 2012 Category: Radiology Tags: Journal of Medical Ultrasonics Source Type: research

Simulation of bone remodelling in orthodontic treatment.
This study was aimed at investigating the effect of orthodontic loading on both tooth movement and neighbouring bone density distribution. A set of computational algorithms incorporating both external and internal remodelling mechanisms was implemented into a patient-specific 3D finite element (FE) model to investigate and analyse orthodontic treatment under four typical modes of orthodontic loading. The consequence of orthodontic treatment was reproduced numerically by using this FE-based technique. The results indicated that the diverse modes of orthodontic loading would result in different magnitudes of tooth movement a...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - November 14, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Wang C, Han J, Li Q, Wang L, Fan Y Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research

Mechanical performance of endodontic restorations with prefabricated posts: sensitivity analysis of parameters with a 3D finite element model.
In this study, a validated 3D biomechanical model of the restored tooth was used for an exhaustive sensitivity analysis. The individual influence of 20 different parameters on the mechanical performance of an endodontic restoration with prefabricated posts was studied. The results bring up the remarkable importance of the loading angle on the final restoration strength. Flexural loads are more critical than compressive or tensile loads. Young's modulus of the post and its length and diameter are the most influential parameters for strength, whereas other parameters such as ferrule geometry or core and crown characteristics...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - November 14, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: González-Lluch C, Pérez-González A, Sancho-Bru JL, Rodríguez-Cervantes PJ Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research

Print-to-print: a facile multi-object micro-patterning technique.
Abstract In recent years, micropatterning techniques have gained increasing popularity from a broad range of engineering and biology communities for the promise to establish highly quantitative investigations on miniature biological objects (e.g., cells and bacteria) with spatially defined microenvironments. However, majority of the existing techniques rely on cleanroom-based microfabrication and cannot be easily extended to a regular biological laboratory. In this paper, we present a simple versatile printing-based method, referred to as Print-to-Print (P2P), to form multi-object micropatterns for potential biolog...
Source: Biomedical Microdevices - November 14, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Xing S, Zhao S, Pan T Tags: Biomed Microdevices Source Type: research

A micro blood sampling system for catheterized neonates and pediatrics in intensive care unit.
Abstract A new micro blood sampling system has been designed, fabricated, and characterized to reduce iatrogenic blood loss from the catheterized neonates and pediatrics in intensive care unit by providing micro-volume of blood to analytical biomedical microdevices which can do point-of-care testing for their critical care. The system can not only save enormous iatrogenic blood loss through 1 to 10 μL of blood sampling and re-infusion of 1 to 5 mL of discard blood but also reduce the infection risk through the closed structure while satisfying the key criteria of the blood sampler. The sampled blood preserved it...
Source: Biomedical Microdevices - November 14, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Jung W, Ahn CH Tags: Biomed Microdevices Source Type: research

A mechanical model for predicting the probability of osteoporotic hip fractures based in DXA measurements and finite element simulation
Conclusion: The FE model allowed to obtain detailed maps of damage and fracture probability, identifying high-risk local zones at femoral neck and intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric areas, which are the typical locations of osteoporotic hip fractures.The developed model is suitable for being used in individualized cases. The model might better identify at-risk individuals in early stages of osteoporosis and might be helpful for treatment decisions.
Source: BioMedical Engineering OnLine - November 14, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Enrique LópezElena IbarzAntonio HerreraJesús MateoAntonio Lobo-EscolarSergio PuértolasLuis Gracia Source Type: research

Adaptive Segmentation of Vertebral Bodies from Sagittal MR Images Based on Local Spatial Information and Gaussian Weighted Chi-Square Distance
We present a novel method for the automatic segmentation of the vertebral bodies from 2D sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images of the spine. First, a new affinity matrix is constructed by incorporating neighboring information, which local intensity is considered to depict the image and overcome the noise effectively. Second, the Gaussian kernel function is to weight chi-square distance based on the neighboring information, which the vital spatial structure of the image is introduced to improve the accuracy of the segmentation task. Third, an adaptive local scaling parameter is utilized to facilitate the image segment...
Source: Journal of Digital Imaging - November 13, 2012 Category: Radiology Tags: Journal of Digital Imaging Source Type: research

Interview: Leading the way in biomedical engineering: an interview with Robert Langer
Nanomedicine , October 2012, Vol. 7, No. 10, Pages 1483-1484.
Source: Future Medicine: Nanomedicine - November 13, 2012 Category: Nanotechnology Tags: article Source Type: research

Comparison of Non-Invasive Methods for Measurement of Local Pulse Wave Velocity Using FSI-Simulations and In Vivo Data.
Abstract In the search for better predictors of cardiovascular events, pulse wave velocity (PWV) has gained considerable interest. We compared three single-location methods to locally estimate PWV based on simultaneous measurements of pressure (P), velocity (U) or arterial diameter (D): the PU, ln(D)U and QA-method. First, the performance of these methods was analyzed using 3D fluid-structure interaction simulations (FSI) in a tube and patient-specific carotid artery. We demonstrated that the outcome was dependent on whether the methods were tested in the ideal conditions of a 3D axisymmetrical and reflection-free ...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 13, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Swillens A, Taelman L, Degroote J, Vierendeels J, Segers P Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Temporal Healing in Rat Achilles Tendon: Ultrasound Correlations.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore whether a new ultrasound-based technique correlates with mechanical and biological metrics that describe the tendon healing. Achilles tendons in 32 rats were unilaterally transected and allowed to heal without repair. At 7, 9, 14, or 29 days post-injury, tendons were collected and examined for healing via ultrasound image analysis, mechanical testing, and immunohistochemistry. Consistent with previous studies, we observe that the healing tendons are mechanically inferior (ultimate stress, ultimate load, and normalized stiffness) and biologically altered (cellular a...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 13, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Chamberlain CS, Duenwald-Kuehl SE, Okotie G, Brounts SH, Baer GS, Vanderby R Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Respiratory Flow-Sound Relationship During Both Wakefulness and Sleep and Its Variation in Relation to Sleep Apnea.
In this study, we recorded tracheal sound, respiratory flow, and head position from eight non-OSA and 10 OSA individuals during sleep and wakefulness. We compared the flow-sound relationship and variations in model parameters from wakefulness to sleep within and between the two groups. The results show that during both wakefulness and sleep, flow-sound relationship follows a power law but with different parameters. Furthermore, the variations in model parameters may be representative of the OSA pathology. The other objective of this study was to examine the accuracy of respiratory flow estimation algorithms during sleep: w...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 13, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Yadollahi A, Montazeri A, Azarbarzin A, Moussavi Z Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Magnetic Nanoparticle Targeted Hyperthermia of Cutaneous Staphylococcus aureus Infection.
Abstract The incidence of wound infections that do not adequately respond to standard-of-care antimicrobial treatment has been increasing. To address this challenge, a novel antimicrobial magnetic thermotherapy platform has been developed in which a high-amplitude, high-frequency, alternating magnetic field is used to rapidly heat magnetic nanoparticles that are bound to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The antimicrobial efficacy of this platform was evaluated in the treatment of both an in vitro culture model of S. aureus biofilm and a mouse model of cutaneous S. aureus infection. We demonstrated that an antibod...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 13, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Kim MH, Yamayoshi I, Mathew S, Lin H, Nayfach J, Simon SI Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research

Economics of the hydrolysis of cellulosic sludge to glucose.
Abstract Cellulosic sludge from paper mills making bleached products can be enzymatically converted to glucose. A kinetic model that accounts for product inhibition was used to estimate the cost:benefits of the process. In the proposed scheme, the sludge is enzymatically hydrolyzed in a sequence of CSTRs, the ash separated, and the product glucose concentrated through reverse osmosis. The water recovered is mostly recycled. By far, the most important economic variable is the value of the glucose. However, even if the glucose is assumed to be of no value the avoided cost of sludge disposal approximately offsets the ...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 13, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Mora S, Banerjee S Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

In vitro quantification of the performance of model-based mono-planar and bi-planar fluoroscopy for 3D joint kinematics estimation
Abstract Model-based mono-planar and bi-planar 3D fluoroscopy methods can quantify intact joints kinematics with performance/cost trade-off. The aim of this study was to compare the performances of mono- and bi-planar setups to a marker-based gold-standard, during dynamic phantom knee acquisitions. Absolute pose errors for in-plane parameters were lower than 0.6 mm or 0.6° for both mono- and bi-planar setups. Mono-planar setups resulted critical in quantifying the out-of-plane translation (error < 6.5 mm), and bi-planar in quantifying the rotation along bone longitudinal axis (error&n...
Source: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing - November 11, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Tags: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing Source Type: research

Local property characterization of prostate glands using inhomogeneous modeling based on tumor volume and location analysis
Abstract Mechanical property characterization of prostate tumors can enhance the results obtained by palpation by providing quantitative and precise diagnostic information to surgeons. The multi-focal characteristics of prostate tumors cause inhomogeneity and local property variance in the prostate glands, which is one reason for inaccurate property characterizations of the tumors. Therefore, biomechanical models should include inhomogeneity and local property variance by taking into consideration the anatomical information (location and volume) of the tumors. We developed six inhomogeneous local prostate mo...
Source: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing - November 11, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Tags: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing Source Type: research

Effect of head posture on the healthy human carotid bifurcation hemodynamics
Abstract Head and neck postures may cause morphology changes to the geometry of the carotid bifurcation (CB) that alter the low and oscillating wall shear stress (WSS) regions previously reported as important in the development of atherosclerosis. Here the right and left CB were imaged by MRI in two healthy subjects in the neutral head posture with the subject in the supine position and in two other head postures with the subject in the prone position: (1) rightward rotation up to 80°, and (2) leftward rotation up to 80°. Image-based computational models were constructed to investigate the effect of postur...
Source: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing - November 10, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Tags: Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing Source Type: research

Relationship between extreme pathways and structurally minimal pathways.
Abstract The determination of reaction pathways is one of the most important functions that should be performed in exploring the kinetics of catalyzed chemical reactions or biochemical reactions, the latter being generally catalyzed by enzymes. It is proven that the terms, "type-I extreme pathway" and "structurally minimal pathway", both introduced to characterize the kinetics of a catalyzed reaction are equivalent. These two terms are based on two distinct methodologies, one mainly rooted in convex analysis and the other in graph theory. The equivalence promises further even more effective methods for reaction-pat...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 10, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Barany M, Bertok B, Fan LT, Friedler F Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Hydrodynamic characteristics and overall volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient of a new multi-environment bioreactor.
Abstract The hydrodynamic characteristics and the overall volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient of a new multi-environment bioreactor which is an integrated part of a wastewater treatment system, called BioCAST, were studied. This bioreactor contains several zones with different environmental conditions including aerobic, microaerophilic and anoxic, designed to increase the contaminant removal capacity of the treatment system. The multi-environment bioreactor is designed based on the concept of airlift reactors where liquid is circulated through the zones with different environmental conditions. The presence of op...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 10, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Behzadian F, Yerushalmi L, Alimahmoodi M, Mulligan CN Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Intracranial artery velocity measurement using 4D PC MRI at 3 T: comparison with transcranial ultrasound techniques and 2D PC MRI
Conclusion 4D PC MRI appears as valid alternative for intracranial velocity measurement consistent with previous reference standards, foremost with TCD. Spatiotemporal averaging effects might contribute to vessel size-dependent mild underestimation of velocities in smaller (MCA), and overestimation in larger-sized (BA and ICA) arteries, respectively. Complete spatiotemporal flow analysis may be advantageous in anatomically complex regions (e.g. carotid siphon) relative to restrictions of ultrasound techniques. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Diagnostic NeuroradiologyPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00234-...
Source: Neuroradiology - November 9, 2012 Category: Radiology Tags: Neuroradiology Source Type: research

Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging as a Tool to Chemically and Spatially Characterize Matrix-Mineral Deposition in Osteoblasts
This study demonstrates that FTIRI is a complementary tool to histochemistry for spatially correlating the collagen matrix distribution and the nature of the resultant mineral during the process of osteoblast mineralization. It can further be used to detect small perturbations in the osteoid and mineral deposition process. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00223-012-9667-5Authors Meghan E. Faillace, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, N Y 11790, USARoger J. Phipps, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, ME, USALisa M. Miller, D...
Source: Calcified Tissue International - November 9, 2012 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Calcified Tissue International Source Type: research

Comparison of two methods for the estimation of subcortical volume and asymmetry using magnetic resonance imaging: a methodological study
Conclusion From these results, it can be concluded that the semi-automated segmentation method and stereological technique can be used for reliable volume estimation of subcortical structures. However, the stereological method takes less time than semi-automated segmentation; it is simple, reliable and inexpensive. Further studies are required with larger samples in order to support these data. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00276-012-1036-6Authors Tolga Ertekin, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, 38039 TurkeyNiyazi...
Source: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy - November 9, 2012 Category: Anatomy Tags: Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Source Type: research

Spatiotemporal pattern of rod degeneration in the S334ter-line-3 rat model of retinitis pigmentosa
Abstract We have recently described the surviving cones and Müller-glia process remodeling in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and shown that rod degeneration triggers the reorganization of the cone mosaic into an orderly array of rings. Within these rings, remodeled Müller-glia processes envelope cones. Here, we report the spatiotemporal pattern of healthy rods, their relationship with dying rods and the way that rod death stimulates the modification of cone spatial-distribution patterns and Müller-glia processes in the S334ter-line-3 rat, a transgenic model expressing a rhodopsin mutation that causes RP. The s...
Source: Cell and Tissue Research - November 9, 2012 Category: Cytology Tags: Cell and Tissue Research Source Type: research

Is it necessary to dissect the lymph nodes around an abnormal hepatic artery in D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer?
Conclusions Abnormal hepatic arteries arising from the superior mesenteric artery can be classified into pre-pancreas and post-pancreas types. Lymph nodes around the abnormal artery may not need to be dissected in radical D2 lymphadenectomy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s12094-012-0955-3Authors Y. Huang, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 ChinaC. Liu, Department of General Surgery-Pediatric Surgery, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 ...
Source: Clinical and Translational Oncology - November 9, 2012 Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Clinical and Translational Oncology Source Type: research

Axial dispersion in packed bed reactors involving viscoinelastic and viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluids.
Abstract Axial dispersion is an important parameter in the performance of packed bed reactors. A lot of fluids exhibit non-Newtonian behaviour but the effect of rheological parameters on axial dispersion is not available in literature. The effect of rheology on axial dispersion has been analysed for viscoinelastic and viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluids. Aqueous solutions of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyacrylamide have been chosen to represent viscoinelastic and viscoelastic liquid-phases. Axial dispersion has been measured in terms of Bo(L) number. The single parameter axial dispersion model has been applied to a...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 9, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Gupta R, Bansal A Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Effect of organic acids found in cottonseed hull hydrolysate on the xylitol fermentation by Candida tropicalis.
Abstract Five organic acids (acetic, ferulic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, formic and levulinic acids) typically associated in the hemicellulose hydrolysate were selected to study their effects on the xylitol fermentation. The effects of individual and combined additions were independently evaluated on the following parameters: inhibitory concentration; initial cell concentration; pH value; and membrane integrity. The results showed that the toxicities of organic acids were related to their hydrophobility and significantly affected by the fermentative pH value. In addition, it was revealed that the paired combinations of orga...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 9, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Wang L, Wu D, Tang P, Yuan Q Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Mathematical modelling and process optimization of a continuous 5-stage bioreactor cascade for production of poly[-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] by Cupriavidus necator.
Abstract A multistage system for poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) production consisting of five continuous stirred tank reactors in series (5-CSTR) with Cupriavidus necator DSM 545 as production strain was modelled using formal kinetic relations. Partially growth-associated production of PHA under nitrogen limited growth was chosen as modelling strategy, thus the Luedeking-Piret's model of partial growth-associated product synthesis was applied as working hypothesis. Specific growth rate relations adjusted for double substrate (C and N source) limited growth according to Megee et al. and Mankad-Bungay relation were tes...
Source: Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering - November 9, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Horvat P, Vrana Špoljarić I, Lopar M, Atlić A, Koller M, Braunegg G Tags: Bioprocess Biosyst Eng Source Type: research

Effect of a DPSS laser on the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets with different base designs
This study evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of ceramic brackets with different base designs using a 473-nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser to test its usefulness as a light source. A total of 180 caries-free human premolars were divided into four groups according to the base designs: microcrystalline, crystalline particle (CP), dovetail, and mesh. For each base design, teeth were divided into three different subgroups for light curing using three different light-curing units (LCUs) (quartz–tungsten–halogen unit, light-emitting diode unit, and a DPSS laser of 473 nm...
Source: Lasers in Medical Science - November 8, 2012 Category: Laser Surgery Tags: Lasers in Medical Science Source Type: research

Lateral Impact Validation of a Geometrically Accurate Full Body Finite Element Model for Blunt Injury Prediction.
This study presents four validation cases of a mid-sized male (M50) full human body finite element model-two lateral sled tests at 6.7 m/s, one sled test at 8.9 m/s, and a lateral drop test. Model results were compared to transient force curves, peak force, chest compression, and number of fractures from the studies. For one of the 6.7 m/s impacts (flat wall impact), the peak thoracic, abdominal and pelvic loads were 8.7, 3.1 and 14.9 kN for the model and 5.2 ± 1.1 kN, 3.1 ± 1.1 kN, and 6.3 ± 2.3 kN for the tests. For the same test setup in the 8.9 m/s case, they were 12.6, 6, and 21.9 kN for the model an...
Source: Annals of Biomedical Engineering - November 8, 2012 Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Vavalle NA, Moreno DP, Rhyne AC, Stitzel JD, Gayzik FS Tags: Ann Biomed Eng Source Type: research