bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical analysis of the urine flow in a stented ureter with no peristalsis
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Ho , Choi Young Ho , Lee Seung Bae , Baba Yasutaka , Kim Kyung-Wuk , Suh Sang-Ho
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A ureteral stenosis or occlusion causes the disturbance of normal urine flow and results in renal failure. Ureteral stents are used to relieve the stagnation of urine in the upper urinary tract. Peristalsis in the ureter, which occurs to help urine flow, becomes to weaken when a stent is inserted and effective peristalsis disappears as time goes on, and a stented ureter seems to be tubular and curved in the human body. Double J stents, which are manufactured by many medical companies and are used widely these days, have different geometries of side holes in the stent shafts. In total, 12 models—six curved models of a stented ureter according to different numbers and positions of side holes and ureteral and stent stenoses and another six straight models for comparison with the curved ones—were made based on the data collected from 19 men. The flow rate and pattern in the stented ureter were evaluated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). According to the results, curved models reflecting the human anatomy seem to be more desirable in the CFD simulation of urine flow and must be good for evaluating the effect of geometrical variations in stent design on urine flow.
Hemodynamics investigation for a giant aneurysm treated by a flow diverter implantation
Authors: Wang Shengzhang , Li Jianjun , Wang Chao , Yang Xinjian , Mu Shiqing , Wang Wuqing
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Flow diverter is a kind of stent-like devices with higher metal coverage rate, and it is deployed endovascularly to treat cerebral aneurysms, especially to treat giant aneurysms. However, there exist some arguments about its safety and efficacy. Hemodynamics is considered to play very important role during the initiation, growth and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. In this study, the models of a giant cerebral aneurysm involved a small branch at the aneurysmal sac before and after flow diverter implantation were constructed by virtual deployment, the blood flows in the models were simulated by computational fluid dynamics method. Analyzing the variations of the hemodynamics, the following conclusions were summarized. The flow diverter is very effective device to occlude the aneurysm, the flow rate at the small branch was rarely changed when the flow diverter deployed and the flow diverter.
Computational hemodynamics of portal vein hypertension in hepatic cirrhosis patients
Authors: Li X. , Wang X.K. , Chen B. , Pu Y.S. , Li Z.F. , Nie P. , Su K.
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Portal vein hypertension generally occurs in liver diseases like hepatic cirrhosis. It causes hemodynamic changes that are closely related to liver disease. At advanced stages of hepatic cirrhosis, portal vein hypertension leads to the atrophy of the right lobe of the liver and the hypertrophy of the left lobe through a process that has not yet been fully explained. Based on the hemodynamic changes that are known to occur, we hypothesize that liver volume is related to the distribution of blood flowing from the splenic vein (SV) that carries hepatotrophic factors from the spleen and pancreas. We studied blood flow in the portal vein system to validate this hypothesis through in vitro experimentation and a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis involving both simplified and patient-specific models based on four healthy subjects and two patients with liver cirrhosis. The results confirmed the hypothesis that right-lobe atrophy is significantly influenced by the distribution of blood from the SV. Moreover, the patients with liver cirrhosis had a significantly larger mass fraction of spleen-derived blood in the left portal vein branch (LPV) than healthy subjects, a result consistent with right-lobe atrophy and left-lobe hypertrophy.
A numerical study of fluid-structure coupled effect of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Cong Yingbo , Wang Liya , Liu Xiao
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Three numerical models of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with different geometric parameters are established in order to examine the coupled effect of the fluid-structure of AAA. The study is focused on examining the roles of the dilatation parameter and the aspect ratio of an AAA in the flow dynamic within a pulse period. The numerical results demonstrate that the vortex dominates the dynamic flow behavior within an AAA. During a pressure impulse cycle, an AAA is influenced by the entirety of the vortex, from its generation to its subsequent disappearance. As an indirect effect of the vortex dynamic acting on vessels, a series of alternate impulse responses of the wall shear stress (WSS) is generated in an AAA as eddies induced by the vortex move along the axis of the vessels, and the strength of the responses is proportional to the strength of the eddies. The alternated impulse of WSS may be one of the main influencing factors on AAA rupture. The results of this study aided in understanding the mechanisms underlying the evolutionary processes of AAAs.
4D model of hemodynamics in the abdominal aorta
Authors: Zbicinski Ireneusz , Veshkina Natalia , Stefańczyk Ludomir
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The paper presents an application of the FSI technique to determine hemodynamics in the abdominal aorta (AA). To establish boundary conditions for the FSI study, MR anatomical data and 4D MRI velocity-mapping data (in three blood flow velocity directions and time) were collected to acquire realistic geometry of the AA and blood velocity. The mechanical parameters of the patient-specific aortic wall were applied in FSI simulations to describe wall mechanics and blood flow in the AA. Comparison of calculated and measured blood flow patterns and flow rate waveforms shows good agreement, which proves that wall pulsations should be incorporated into simulations that determine hemodynamics in the AA. The results of this work suggest that FSI analysis based on patient-specific data, such as the mechanical parameters of the aortic wall, real geometry of the aorta, and 4D flow information, might be used to predict the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Numerical study of the effect of blood vessel on the microwave ablation shape
Authors: Nie Xiaohui , Nan Qun , Guo Xuemei , Tian Zhen
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The existence of large blood vessels seriously impacts the results of microwave ablation on heat transfer of surrounding tissue, and the research of influences about large blood vessels could be essential and significant. The temperature distribution in the tissue was analyzed with a microwave heating source by finite element method. The model, where the blood vessel is parallel to antenna, has different distances from antenna to blood vessel. As distance was greater than 20mm, the effect of blood vessel that was parallel to antenna was ignored and the ablation area was elliptical-like. When distance was less than 10mm, the part of asymmetrical coagulated area was on the right side of blood vessel. Therefore, the temperature contour by different conditions could provide numerical references, which is whether to block blood vessel or not, to achieve the aim of guiding the clinical practice, according to the locations of tumor and blood vessel.
Numerical simulation of RF catheter ablation for the treatment of arterial aneurysm
Authors: Guo Xuemei , Nan Qun , Qiao Aike
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Considering the blood coagulation induced by the heating of radio frequency ablation (RFA) and the mechanism of aneurysm embolization, we proposed that RFA may be used to treat arterial aneurysm. But the safety of this method should be investigated. A finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate temperature and pressure distribution in aneurysm with different electrode position, electric field intensity and ablation time. When the electrode is in the middle of the artery aneurysm sac, temperature rose clearly in half side of artery aneurysm, which is not suitable for RFA. Temperature rose in the whole aneurysm when the electrode is under the artery aneurysm orifice, which is suitable for the ablation therapy. And in this way, the highest temperature was 69.585°C when power was 5.0 V/mm with 60 s. It can promote the coagulation and thrombosis generation in the aneurysm sac while the outside tissue temperature rises a little. Meanwhile, the pressure (10 Pa) at the top of aneurysm sac with electrode insertion is less than that (60 Pa) without electrode, so electrode implant may protect the aneurysm from rupture. The results can provide a theoretical basis for interventional treatment of aneurysm with RFA.
The exterior unsteady viscous flow and heat transfer due to a porous expanding or contracting cylinder
Authors: Wang Chao , Si Xinhui , Shen Yanan , Zheng Liancun , Lin Ping
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Since the vessels in the biological tissues are characterized by low seepage Reynolds numbers and contracting or expanding walls, more attention is paid on the viscous flow outside the porous pipe with small expansion or contraction. This paper presents a numerical solution of the flow and heat transfer outside an expanding or contracting porous cylinder. The coupled nonlinear similarity equations are solved by Bvp4c, which is a collocation method with MATLAB. The effects of the different physical parameters, namely the permeability Reynolds number,the expansion ratio and the Prandtl number, on the velocity and temperature distribution are obtained and the results are shown graphically.
A method to determine the mechanical properties of the retina based on an experiment in vivo
Authors: Qian Xiuqing , Zhang Kunya , Liu Zhicheng
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A method is proposed to determine the mechanical properties of retina based on in vivo experiments and numerical simulations. First, saline water was injected into the anterior chamber of the right eye of a cat to cause acute high intraocular pressure. After the eye was scanned using optical coherence tomography under different acute high intraocular pressures, the images of the retina in vivo were obtained and the thickness of the retina was calculated. Then, the three-dimensional structure of the optic nerve head including the retina and the choroid were reconstructed using image processing technology. Three different material models for the retina and the choroid were taken and the finite element models of the optic nerve head were constructed. Finally, an inverse method was proposed to determine the parameters of a constitutive model of the retina and of the choroid simultaneously. The results showed that the deformation of the retina can be properly simulated taking into consideration the nonlinear elastic properties of the retina and of the choroid.
Hemodynamics analyses in treated and untreated carotid arteries of the same patient: A preliminary study based on three patient cases
Authors: Mei Yuqian , Müller-Eschner Matthias , Yi Jie , Zhang Zhaotong , Chen Duanduan , Kronlage Moritz , von Tengg-Kobligk Hendrik , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Böckler Dittmar , Demirel Serdar
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Carotid atherosclerotic disease is highly related to cerebrovascular events. Carotid endarterectomy is the common operation method to treat this disease. In this study, hemodynamics analyses are performed on the carotid arteries in three patients, whose right carotid artery had been treated by carotid endarterectomy and the left carotid artery remained untreated. Flow and loading conditions are compared between these treated and untreated carotid arteries and evaluation of the operative results is discussed. Patient-specific models are reconstructed from MDCT data. Intraoperative ultrasound flow measurements are performed on the treated carotid arteries and the obtained data are used as the boundary conditions of the models and the validations of the computational results. Finite volume method is employed to solve the transport equations and the flow and loading conditions of the models are reported. The results indicate that: (i) in two of the three patients, the internal-to-external flow rate ratio in the untreated carotid artery is larger than that in the treated one, and the average overall flow split ratio by summing up the data of both the left and right carotid arteries is about 2.15; (ii) in the carotid bulb, high wall shear stress occurs at the bifurcation near the external carotid artery in all of the cases without hard plaques; (iii) the operated arteries present low time-averaged wall shear stress at the carotid bulb, especially for the treated arteries with patch technique, indicating the possibility of the recurrence of stenosis; (iv) high temporal gradient of wall shear stress (>35 Pa/s) is shown in the narrowing regions along the vessels; and (v) in the carotid arteries without serious stenosis, the maximum velocity magnitude during mid-diastole is 32∼37% of that at systolic peak, however, in the carotid artery with 50% stenosis by hard plaques, this value is nearly doubled (64%). The computational work quantifies flow and loading distributions in the treated and untreated carotid arteries of the same patient, contributing to evaluation of the operative results and indicating the recurrent sites of potential atheromatous plaques.
Clinical study of single-visit root canal treatment with a nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary instrument combined with different ultrasonic irrigation solutions for elderly patients with chronic apical periodontitis
Authors: Tang Zhenyu , Wang Hui , Jiang Shiyong
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The study involved 300 elderly patients with chronic periapical periodontitis. The patients were randomly assigned into three groups. The treatment for group A used a Mtwo Ni-Ti rotary instrument combined with ultrasonic irrigation of a 2.5% NaOCl solution. The group B used the same instrument combined with ultrasonic irrigation of an active silver ion antibacterial solution. The group C used the same instrument combined with syringe irrigation of a 2.5% NaOCl solution. The root canal fillings were performed immediately after canal preparation. Twenty-four hours after the procedure, patients self-assessed pain levels according to the VAS table. The three groups returned after seven days so their postoperative acute reactions could be evaluated clinically. After six and twelve months, efficacy was evaluated. The self-assessed pain levels for group A and B were significantly lower than group C. The incidence of postoperative acute reactions after seven days for group A and B were significantly lower than those of group C. The effective rates after six and twelve months did not differ among these groups. The single-visit root canal treatment with a nickel-titanium rotary instrument combined with ultrasonic irrigation for elderly patients with chronic periapical periodontitis achieved short and long term efficacy and stability.
Numerical analysis of the effect of side holes of a double J stent on flow rate and pattern
Authors: Kim Kyung-Wuk , Choi Young Ho , Lee Seung Bae , Baba Yasutaka , Kim Hyoung-Ho , Suh Sang-Ho
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A double J stent has been used widely these days for patients with a ureteral stenosis or with renal stones and lithotripsy. The stent has multiple side holes in the shaft, which supply detours for urine flow. Even though medical companies produce various forms of double J stents that have different numbers and positions of side holes in the stent, the function of side holes in fluid dynamics has not been studied well. Here, the flow rate and pattern around the side holes of a double J stent were evaluated in curved models of a stented ureter based on the human anatomy and straight models for comparison. The total flow rate was higher in the stent with a greater number of side holes. The inflow and outflow to the stent through the side holes in the curved ureter was more active than in the straight ureter, which means the flow through side holes exists even in the ureter without ureteral stenosis or occlusion and even in the straight ureter. When the diameter of the ureter changed, the in-stent flow rate in the ureter did not change and the extraluminal flow rate was higher in the ureter with a greater diameter.
Improved walking ability with wearable robot-assisted training in patients suffering chronic stroke
Authors: Li Lifang , Ding Li , Chen Na , Mao Yurong , Huang Dongfeng , Li Le
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Wearable robotic devices provide safe and intensive rehabilitation, enabling repeated motions for motor function recovery in stroke patients. The aim of this small case series was to demonstrate the training effects of a three-week robotic leg orthosis, and to investigate possible mechanisms of the sensory-motor alterations and improvements by using gait analysis and EMG. Three survivors of chronic strokes participated in robot-assisted gait therapy for three weeks. EMG signals from the rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and medial gastrocnemius (MG), as well as kinetics and kinematics data of the lower limb, were recorded before and after the training. The normalized root mean squared (RMS) values of the muscles, the joint moments, joint angles, and the results of two clinical scales (Berg Balance scale, BBS, and the lower extremity subscale of Fugl-Meyer assessment, LE-FMA) were used for analysis. All participants experienced improved balance and functional performances and increased BBS and LE-FMA scores. The EMG results showed there was an increase of the normalized RMS values of the MG and BF on the affected side. Additionally, EMG activities of the agonist and antagonist pair (i.e. RF and BF) appeared to return to similar levels after training. The peak moment of hip flexor, knee extensor, and plantar flexor, which all contributed to push-off power, were found to have increased after training. In summary, the three-week training period using the wearable RLO improved the three participants’ gait performance by regaining push-off power and improved muscle activation and walking speed.
Research on seamless development of surgical instruments based on biological mechanisms using CAD and 3D printer
Authors: Yamamoto Ikuo , Ota Ren , Zhu Rui , Lawn Murray , Ishimatsu Takakazu , Nagayasu Takeshi , Yamasaki Naoya , Takagi Katsunori , Koji Takehiko
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In the area of manufacturing surgical instruments, the ability to rapidly design, prototype and test surgical instruments is critical. This paper provides a simple case study of the rapid development of two bio-mechanism based surgical instruments which are ergonomic, aesthetic and were successfully designed, prototyped and conceptually tested in a very short period of time.
Trajectory planning and mechanic’s analysis of lower limb rehabilitation robot
Authors: Zhiyong Tang , Xiaodong Xu , Zhongcai Pei
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A new rehabilitation robot was designed. The robot included a suspension mechanism, a drive unit, and an adjustment mechanism. Additionally, innovative weight loss mechanism increased the dynamical device so that it could be used with patients of varying lower extremity muscle strengths. The relationship of hip and knee angles with height, step length, and gait cycle was studied. It was developed to generate different trajectories for different patients. Kinematics and dynamics were studied to lay the foundation for control.
A robo-pigeon based on an innovative multi-mode telestimulation system
Authors: Yang Junqing , Huai Ruituo , Wang Hui , Lv Changzhi , Su Xuecheng
Published: August 2015

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a new multi-mode telestimulation system for brain-microstimulation for the navigation of a robo-pigeon, a new type of bio-robot based on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) techniques. The multi-mode telestimulation system overcomes neuron adaptation that was a key shortcoming of the previous single-mode stimulation by the use of non-steady TTL biphasic pulses accomplished by randomly alternating pulse modes. To improve efficiency, a new behavior model (“virtual fear”) is proposed and applied to the robo-pigeon. Unlike the previous “virtual reward” model, the “virtual fear” behavior model does not require special training. The performance and effectiveness of the system to alleviate the adaptation of neurons was verified by a robo-pigeon navigation test, simultaneously confirming the practicality of the “virtual fear” behavioral model.
Robot-musculoskeletal dynamic biomechanical model in robot-assisted diaphyseal fracture reduction
Authors: Li Changsheng , Wang Tianmiao , Hu Lei , Zhang Lihai , Zhao Yanpeng , Du Hailong , Wang Lifeng , Tang Peifu
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A number of issues that exist in common fracture reduction surgeries can be mitigated by robot-assisted fracture reduction. However, the safety of patients and the performance of the robot, which are closely related to the muscle forces, are important indexes that restrict the development of robots. Though researchers have done a great deal of work on the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the aspects related to the function of the robot, is not well understood. For this reason, we represent the complex biological system by establishing a dynamic biomechanical model based on the Hill muscle model and the Kane method for the robot that we have developed and the musculoskeletal system. We analyzed the relationship between the motion and force of the bone fragments and the robot during a simulation of a robot-assisted fracture reduction. The influence of the muscle force on the robot system was predicted and managed. The simulation results provide a basis for a fracture reduction path plan that ensures patient safety and a useful reference for the mechanical design of the robot.
Experimental analysis of robot-assisted needle insertion into porcine liver
Authors: Wang Wendong , Shi Yikai , Goldenberg Andrew A. , Yuan Xiaoqing , Zhang Peng , He Lijing , Zou Yingjie
Published: August 2015

Abstract

How to improve placement accuracy of needle insertion into liver tissue is of paramount interest to physicians. A robot-assisted system was developed to experimentally demonstrate its advantages in needle insertion surgeries. Experiments of needle insertion into porcine liver tissue were performed with conic tip needle (diameter 8 mm) and bevel tip needle (diameter 1.5 mm) in this study. Manual operation was designed to compare the performance of the presented robot-assisted system. The real-time force curves show outstanding advantages of robot-assisted operation in improving the controllability and stability of needle insertion process by comparing manual operation. The statistics of maximum force and average force further demonstrates robot-assisted operation causes less oscillation. The difference of liver deformation created by manual operation and robot-assisted operation is very low, 1 mm for average deformation and 2 mm for maximum deformation. To conclude, the presented robot-assisted system can improve placement accuracy of needle by stably control insertion process.
Reduced knee hyperextension after wearing a robotic knee orthosis during gait training - a case study
Authors: Mao Yurong , Lo Wai Leung , Xu Guangqing , Li Leonard Sheungwai , Li Le , Huang Dongfeng
Published: August 2015

Abstract

This case study describes the effects of a wearable dynamic knee orthosis to supplement walking training in a patient suffering knee hyperextension. The subject was a 57-year old female who was 3.5 years post-brain tumor surgery. She was presented with impaired right lower extremity muscle performance, increased lower extremity muscle tension, and right knee hyperextension. She reported pain at the right knee joint and tibialis anterior after 10 minutes of over-ground walk. Fifteen one-hour sessions of gait training with robotic knee orthosis (RKO) were provided an over 3 weeks period. The subject demonstrated improvement with right lower limb kinematic and kinetic measures of gait. Peak flexion degree and moment increased (from -4.99° to 13.47°, and from 0.18 Nm/kg to 0.20 Nm/kg respectively).Extension peak moment decreased from 1.03 Nm/kg to 0.53 Nm/kg. Knee joint force decreased from 0.68 N to 0.45 N. Ground reaction force (GRF) reduced from 11.06N to 10.11N. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) improved from 45/56 to 51/56. No difference was observed in Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Lower limb (FMA-LE) scores. Gait training that integrates an intention-based RKO for correcting knee hyperextension can be clinically effective. The persistence and generalizability of these results need to be further investigated.
Detecting differences in volume pulse wave parameters among fingers and toes in four different postures
Authors: Yan Tingting , Yang Lin , Zhang Song , Yang Yimin , Li Xuwen
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The measurement of volume pulse waves may be easily affected based on the measured position (different fingers or toes), body posture, as well as other factors. Therefore, interferences during measurement need to be removed. For this study, relevant parameters of volume pulse wave were obtained by changing the affecting factors. The data were analyzed in order to indicate the differences in volume pulse wave parameters among different fingers and toes in four postures. Results showed that when subjects were lying, inclined or in a sitting posture, volume pulse wave parameters of the index finger, middle finger and ring finger on both hands displayed no apparent differences. When subjects were in a sitting posture, volume pulse wave parameters of the big, second and third toes on both feet showed no significant differences.
SAR and thermal response effects of a two-arm Archimedean spiral coil in a magnetic induction sensor on a human head
Authors: Zhang Ziyi , Liu Peiguo , Zhou Dongming , Zhang Liang , Ding Liang
Published: August 2015

Abstract

This study investigates the radiation safety of a newly designed magnetic induction sensor. This novel magnetic induction sensor uses a two-arm Archimedean spiral coil (TAASC) as the exciter. A human head model with a real anatomical structure was used to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature change. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) was used to determine the values of the peak 10-g SAR under different operating parameters (current, frequency, horizontal distance between the excitation coil and the receiver coil, vertical distance between the top of the head model and the XOY plane, position of excitation coil, and volume of hemorrhage). Then, the highest response for the SAR and temperature rise was determined. The results showed that this new magnetic induction sensor is safe in the initial state; for safety reasons, the TAASC current should not exceed 4 A. The scalp tissue absorbed most of the electromagnetic energy. The TAASC’s SAR/thermal performance was close to that of the circular coil.
Acoustic signal characteristics of laser induced cavitation in DDFP droplet: Spectrum and time-frequency analysis
Authors: Feng Yi , Qin Dui , Zhang Jun , Ma Chenxiang , Wan Mingxi
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Cavitation has great application potential in microvessel damage and targeted drug delivery. Concerning cavitation, droplet vaporization has been widely investigated in vitro and in vivo with plasmonic nanoparticles. Droplets with a liquid dodecafluoropentane (DDFP) core enclosed in an albumin shell have a stable and simple structure with good characteristics of laser absorbing; thus, DDFP droplets could be an effective aim for laser-induced cavitation. The DDPF droplet was prepared and perfused in a mimic microvessel in the optical microscopic system with a passive acoustic detection module. Three patterns of laser-induced cavitation in the droplets were observed. The emitted acoustic signals showed specific spectrum components at specific time points. It was suggested that a nanosecond laser pulse could induce cavitation in DDPF droplets, and specific acoustic signals would be emitted. Analyzing its characteristics could aid in monitoring the laser-induced cavitation process in droplets, which is meaningful to theranostic application.
New derivation method and simulation of skin effect in biological tissue
Authors: Fan Xiaoli , Zhou Qianxiang , Liu Zhongqi , Xie Fang
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Based on the electrical properties of biological tissues, bioimpedance measurement technology can be employed to collect physiologic and pathologic information by measuring changes in human bioimpedance. When an alternating current (AC) is applied as a detection signal to a tissue, the current field distribution, which is affected by skin effect, is related to both the bioimpedance of the tissue and the AC frequency. These relations would possibly reduce the accuracy and reliability of the measurement. In this study, an electromagnetic theory-based method, in which cylindrical conductor were divided into layers, was used to obtain current field distribution models of human limbs. Model simulations were conducted in MATLAB. The skin effect phenomenon and its characteristics in human tissues at different frequencies were observed, thus providing essential data on skin effect, which are useful in the development of bioimpedance measurement technology.
Dielectric analysis of heterogeneous biological tissues based on mixing rule
Authors: Zhang Liang , Liu Peiguo , Dong Xiuzhen , Zhou Dongming , Shi Xuetao
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Thus far, the measurement of dielectric properties of biological tissues has been achieved on the assumption that the biological tissues are homogeneous. In fact, most tissues should be heterogeneous because there are many small structures included in these tissues, such as blood vessel, nerve fiber and so on. When the dielectric properties of these tissues are measured by conventional sensor, the results are not the dielectric properties of tissues but the effective dielectric properties of the mixture. In this paper, the influence of the inclusion in tissues on the measurement of dielectric properties of heterogeneous biological tissues is studied and the analysis of the effective dielectric properties of heterogeneous tissues based on the mixing rule is proposed. When the coaxial probe is used to measure the dielectric properties of tissue, the results are relative to the dielectric properties of inclusion, dielectric properties of background tissue and the effective volume fraction of inclusion. Therefore, the dielectric properties of inclusion could be calculated according to mixing rule, after the effective dielectric properties are measured and the effective volume fraction of inclusion is estimated.
Golay improvement of the robustness of mean scatterer spacing measurement with ultrasonic backscattering
Authors: Pan Wenlei , Shen Yi , Liu Ting , Wang Yan
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Mean scatterer spacing (MSS) estimated from ultrasonic backscattering is of valuable information for tissue characterization. However, low ultrasound frequency, sound attenuation, and diffuse scattering significantly disturb the current MSS measurement methods. The aim of this study is to improve MSS measurement with Coded Excitation (CE) enhanced cepstrum estimation. The study proposes a Golay code-based cepstrum estimation and uses an equivalent Faran cylinder model of cancellous bone. By solving the elastic wave equation, ultrasonic backscattering signals were obtained through simulations. The adopted ultrasonic excitation is 0.9 MHz and is coded with 4-bit complementary sequences, which is modulated by employing a sinusoidal signal. Also, white Gaussian noise of 60 dB, 55 dB, and 45 dB was added to the backscattering data to study the robustness of the proposed method. Simulation results show that the Golay-based method successfully improved ultrasound energy transmission into the tissue and effectively suppressed interference peaks while identifying the right peaks with permitted errors. In addition, the robustness against noise was enhanced.
Helical type coronary bypass graft performance: Experimental investigations
Authors: Bernad Sandor I. , Bosioc Alin I. , Bernad Elena S. , Craina Marius L.
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Optimal graft design has been an objective of many researchers to find correlations between hemodynamics and graft failure. Compared to planar grafts, the helical graft configurations improve hemodynamic performance including the promotion of flow mixing and reduction of flow stagnation regions. In order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the suggested helical type bypass graft model in comparison to a conventional bypass graft configuration, three experimental models were designed and evaluated. The character of complex vortex structures created in the area between the heel and the occluded section depends on the flow parameters (in the case of the straight graft). We have identified two vortices in the symmetrical plane (proximal and distal to the anastomosis). In the new design of the two-turn helical graft, the stagnation point is eliminated from the anastomoses at different time intervals compared to the conventional straight bypass model The present study indicated that the magnitude of the pressure drop along a helical graft was considerably increased compared to a traditional graft which, while still physiologically advantageous, can be surpassed by an optimal geometry model.
Influence of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on heart rate variability (HRV) in rat hearts via electronic lesion
Authors: Deng Xin , Feng Xuhui , Li Sen , Gao Ya , Yu Bingzhi , Li Gensong
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Previous literatures have indicated that hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons are important for regulating the level of sympathetic and vagal nervous activity. Sympathovagal balance is closely related to heart rate variability (HRV). However, it still requires further elucidation regarding the effect of PVN on HRV by regulating sympathovagal balance. To detect the influence of the PVN on HRV, we evaluated the changes in time domain (including standard deviation of the R-R intervals (SDNN), and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD)) and frequency domain (including low frequency (LFnu), high frequency (HFnu) and the ratio of LF/HF) in HRV upon appropriate electronic stimulation, and lesions on the PVN of the rat in vivo. Cardiac vagal modulation was evaluated by HFnu; sympathetic modulation was evaluated by LFnu. Sympathovagal balance was evaluated by LF/HF and SDNN. Upon electronic stimulating (less than 0.6 mA) to the PVN of rats, we found that LFnu and HFnu changed correspondingly but recovered after the stimulation. When the PVN of the rats was injured, the RR intervals were enhanced with the rats’ unilaterally or bilaterally injured PVN, especially the bilateral lesion. Meanwhile, LFnu, LF/HF and SDNN decreased gradually, accompanied with an increase of HFnu levels. So these PVN changes may indicate alterations of the sympathovagal balance.
Influential factors for pressure pulse waveform in healthy young adults
Authors: Du Yi , Wang Ling , Li Shuyu , Zhi Guang , Li Deyu , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The effects of gender and other contributory factors on pulse waveform are still under arguments. In view of different results caused by few considerations of possible influential factors and general agreement of gender relating to pulse waveform, this study aims to address the confounding factors interfering with the association between gender and pulse waveform characteristics. A novel method was proposed to noninvasively detect pressure pulse wave and assess the morphology of pulse wave. Forty healthy young subjects were included in the present research. Height, weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured manually and body mass index (BMI), pulse blood pressure (PP) and heart rate (HR) were calculated automatically. Student’s t test was used to analyze the gender difference and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine the effects of intrinsic factors. Univariate regression analysis was performed to assess the main factors on the waveform characteristics. Waveform features were found significantly different between genders. However this study indicates that the main factors for time-related and amplitude-related parameters are HR and SBP respectively. In conclusion, the impact of HR and SBP on pulse waveform features should not be underestimated, especially when analyzing the gender difference.
Optimization of configuration of attachment in tooth translation with transparent tooth correction by appropriate moment-to-force ratios: Biomechanical analysis
Authors: Cai Yongqing , He Bingwei , Yang Xiaoxiang , Yao Jun
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Transparent tooth correction treatment is an esthetic alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment. Recently, attachments were introduced in transparent tooth correction treatments to improve the predictability of orthodontic movement. In order to optimize the attachment configuration, the force delivery system of attachments in orthodontic aligner treatment was analyzed. Based on mechanical principles, such as the synthesis theorem of force system, Varignon theorem, and the theorem of force translation, the force system of attachment was analyzed. How the attachments affected the orthodontic treatment was investigated. The attachments’ force system [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] was determined. The optimum attachment for translation and controlled tipping movement was conceived. The attachments can be designed and placed appropriately to improve tooth movement.
Finite element analysis to study the effects of using CAD/CAM glass-fiber post system in a severely damaged anterior tooth
Authors: Chen Aijie , Feng Xiaoli , Zhang Yanli , Liu Ruoyu , Shao Longquan
Published: August 2015

Abstract

To investigate the stress distribution of a severely damaged maxillary anterior tooth restored with a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) glass-fiber post system. Twelve models were fabricated with different alveolar bone levels and cervical dentin wall thicknesses and studied using a two-dimensional finite element method. A force of 100 N was applied to the lingual surface of the crown at 45 degrees, and the maximum von Mises stress was calculated. A higher stress level was observed in the dentin than in the post and crown. With the reduction of dentin thickness, the maximum von Mises stress in the dentin increased slightly to a peak at a thickness of 1.5 mm, followed by a slight decrease at a thickness of 1.0 mm. However, the relative ratio (RR) values did not show a large difference (RR > 80%). Meanwhile, a large difference in RR values was observed with a change in bone level (RR < 80%). When using a CAD/CAM glass-fiber post system, the maximal von Mises stress was significantly affected by the bone level, rather than by the dentin thickness. Moreover, this system may be applied to the treatment of a maxillary anterior tooth with a bone level of only 2/3.
Wall stress and deformation analysis in a numerical model of pulse wave propagation
Authors: He Fan , Hua Lu , Gao Lijian
Published: August 2015

Abstract

To simulate pulse wave propagation, we set up a wave propagation model using blood-wall interaction in previous work. In this paper, our purpose is to investigate wall stress and deformation of the wave propagation model. The finite element method is employed for solving the governing equations of blood and wall. Our results suggest that there are two peaks in the circumferential stress and strain distributions of the normal model. The stress and strain values change with the varieties of different factors, such as wall thickness and vessel diameter. The results indicate that different parameters of fluid and tube wall have remarked impact on wall stress and deformation.
Application of uniform design to improve dental implant system
Authors: Cheng Yung-Chang , Lin Deng-Huei , Jiang Cho-Pei
Published: August 2015

Abstract

This paper introduces the application of uniform experimental design to improve dental implant systems subjected to dynamic loads. The dynamic micromotion of the Zimmer dental implant system is calculated and illustrated by explicit dynamic finite element analysis. Endogenous and exogenous factors influence the success rate of dental implant systems. Endogenous factors include: bone density, cortical bone thickness and osseointegration. Exogenous factors include: thread pitch, thread depth, diameter of implant neck and body size. A dental implant system with a crest module was selected to simulate micromotion distribution and stress behavior under dynamic loads using conventional and proposed methods. Finally, the design which caused minimum micromotion was chosen as the optimal design model. The micromotion of the improved model is 36.42 μm, with an improvement is 15.34% as compared to the original model.
Analysis on the stress of the bone surrounding mini-implant with different diameters and lengths under torque
Authors: Lu Yingjuan , Chang Shaohai , Ye Jiantao , Ye Yushan , Yu Yansong
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the stress of the bone around the mini-implant under the two kinds of force: the composite force which contains torque and traditional single force. There were 96 finite element models formed by the combination of mini-implant and bone, with diameters of 1.2 mm, 1.6 mm, 2.0 mm and corresponding length being 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, respectively. Each size corresponded to 8 models. Group SF (each size n=4) was loaded with 200 g single force, while Group CF (each size n=4) was loaded with composite force which contained 6N mm torque and 200 g single force. The maximum equivalent stress (Max EQS) of the bone surrounding mini implant with different loading directions was calculated, and the relationship of force direction, diameter and length was also evaluated. The Max EQS of Group CF was higher than that of Group SF. The effect of force direction on the stress was related to the diameter of mini implant, but had nothing to do with its length. The Max EQS of the cortical bone around mini implant in Group CF was higher (P<0.05) than that in Group SF. In contrast, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between Group SF and Group CF in terms of bone stress when the diameter of mini implant was 1.6 mm or 2.0 mm. In our study, it is demonstrated that the diameter of mini-implant is better to be larger than 1.2 mm when a mini-implant is used in a torque control of tooth. The impact of this feature in the clinical setting needs to be verified.
Study on loss mechanism of SMA tracheal stent subjected to cough excitation
Authors: Zhu Zhiwen , Li Xinmiao , Xu Jia
Published: August 2015

Abstract

A kind of Ti-Ni shape memory alloy (SMA) hysteretic nonlinear model is developed, and the loss mechanism of a SMA tracheal stent subjected to cough excitation is studied in this paper. Nonlinear differential items are introduced to express the hysteretic phenomena of Ti-Ni SMA, and the fitting effect of the SMA constitutive model on the experimental data is proved by the partial least-square regression method. The nonlinear dynamic model of a Ti-Ni SMA tracheal stent subjected to cough excitation is developed, and the system’s dynamic response is obtained. The numerical results show that the system’s vibration is little in weak excitation, becomes large with the increase of the stochastic excitation, and finally becomes little again with the further increase of the stochastic excitation; the stochastic resonance phenomenon occurs in the process, which may cause stent fracture or loss.
Preliminary study on verifying the detection of gait intention based on knee joint anterior displacement of gait slopes
Authors: Yu Changho , Kang Seung Rok , Yang Giltae , Hong Chul Un , Lee Hyung Jong , Oh Do Young , Kwon Tae Kyu
Published: August 2015

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility of the Infrared (IR) sensor-based walking aids for detecting the gait intention. To compensate for the defects of Force Sensing Resistors (FSRs) or force sensors, such as the velocity control problem on gait slopes, we used IR sensors to investigate knee joint anterior displacement in order to recognize the gait intention. We also measure leg muscle activities and foot pressure, in order to verify our investigation. We placed two IR sensors on the rollator center to sense left and right leg walking intentions. We took EMG signals of four leg muscles, and analyzed them. Foot pressure analysis parameters were the measured force and mean pressure. We conducted experiments on twenty young healthy adults. The results show that knee joint anterior displacement increases according to gait slope and velocity. We confirm similar results of knee joint anterior displacement through the IR sensors.
Research on musculoskeletal model of elbow joint for evaluating the feasibility of FES
Authors: Wang Shengxin , Gao Yongsheng , Liu Gangfeng , Xiao Feiyun , Zhao Jie
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Tremor usually occurs in a patient’s upper limb with a roughly sinusoidal profile. Understanding the inner mechanism of the involuntary movement is fundamental to improving tremor suppression treatments. Therefore, the musculoskeletal model of the elbow joint was developed in this study. Initially, healthy subjects were selected to simulate tremor and the tremulous data was collected with the purpose of sparing patients from fatigue. With the recorded joint angle and surface EMG (sEMG), the model was calibrated to subjects by optimization approach. The activation derived from the electric pulse was employed to drive the tuned model and the model’s output was compared with the angle predicted by the EMG-driven musculoskeletal model. The results demonstrated that the performance of the calibrated model was improved by a smaller normalized root mean square error and a higher coefficient of determination compared with the no-tuned model. There was no significant difference between the angles estimated by the tuned model activated by the electric pulse and muscle excitation. It indicates that neural activation could be replaced by the electric pulse to excite the limbs for desired angle. Therefore, the study presents a good way to evaluate the feasibility of Functional Electric Stimulation to suppress tremor.