Three-dimensional optical coherence tomography imaging of the optic nerve head

Background: the primary site of injury in glaucoma is likely to be at the lamina cribrosa (LC), deep within the optic nerve head (ONH). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in glaucoma has, to date, focused on the detection of nerve fibre loss. Spectral domain OCT (SDOCT) has improved speed and axial resolution, allowing acquisition of three-dimensional ONH volumes and may capture targets deep within the ONH. This thesis explores the capabilities and potential of deep SDOCT imaging in the monkey ONH. Plan of research: an investigation was conducted into the detection of key landmarks that would be necessary for future quantification strategies. In particular, detection of the neural canal opening (NCO) was assessed and how the NCO relates to what is clinically identified as the disc margin. The next phase involved clarifying the anatomical and histological basis of ONH structures observed within SDCOT volumes, by comparison with histological sections and disc photographs. Finally, quantification strategies for novel parameters based on deep targets were developed and used to detect chronic longitudinal changes in experimental glaucoma and acute changes following IOP manipulation. Results: SDOCT reliably detects the NCO, which can be used as an anchoring structure for reference planes. Usually the NCO equates to the disc margin but disc margin architecture can be complex and highly variable. SDOCT captures the prelaminar tissue and anterior LC surface. Prelaminar thinning and posterior LC displacement were both detected longitudinally in experimental glaucoma. Prelaminar thinning was observed with acute IOP elevation; posterior LC movement was rare. Significance: deep ONH structures, including the LC, are realistic targets for clinical imaging. These imaging targets may be useful in the detection of glaucoma progression and in the verification of ex-vivo models of ONH biomechanical behaviour

Microgravity Science and Applications: Program Tasks and Bibliography for Fiscal Year 1996

NASA's Microgravity Science and Applications Division (MSAD) sponsors a program that expands the use of space as a laboratory for the study of important physical, chemical, and biochemical processes. The primary objective of the program is to broaden the value and capabilities of human presence in space by exploiting the unique characteristics of the space environment for research. However, since flight opportunities are rare and flight research development is expensive, a vigorous ground-based research program, from which only the best experiments evolve, is critical to the continuing strength of the program. The microgravity environment affords unique characteristics that allow the investigation of phenomena and processes that are difficult or impossible to study an Earth. The ability to control gravitational effects such as buoyancy driven convection, sedimentation, and hydrostatic pressures make it possible to isolate phenomena and make measurements that have significantly greater accuracy than can be achieved in normal gravity. Space flight gives scientists the opportunity to study the fundamental states of physical matter-solids, liquids and gasses-and the forces that affect those states. Because the orbital environment allows the treatment of gravity as a variable, research in microgravity leads to a greater fundamental understanding of the influence of gravity on the world around us. With appropriate emphasis, the results of space experiments lead to both knowledge and technological advances that have direct applications on Earth. Microgravity research also provides the practical knowledge essential to the development of future space systems. The Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications (OLMSA) is responsible for planning and executing research stimulated by the Agency's broad scientific goals. OLMSA's Microgravity Science and Applications Division (MSAD) is responsible for guiding and focusing a comprehensive program, and currently manages its research and development tasks through five major scientific areas: biotechnology, combustion science, fluid physics, fundamental physics, and materials science. FY 1996 was an important year for MSAD. NASA continued to build a solid research community for the coming space station era. During FY 1996, the NASA Microgravity Research Program continued investigations selected from the 1994 combustion science, fluid physics, and materials science NRAS. MSAD also released a NASA Research Announcement in microgravity biotechnology, with more than 130 proposals received in response. Selection of research for funding is expected in early 1997. The principal investigators chosen from these NRAs will form the core of the MSAD research program at the beginning of the space station era. The third United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-3) and the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) missions yielded a wealth of microgravity data in FY 1996. The USMP-3 mission included a fluids facility and three solidification furnaces, each designed to examine a different type of crystal growth

Properties and Applications of Graphene and Its Derivatives

Graphene is a two-dimensional, one-atom-thick material made entirely of carbon atoms, arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Because of its distinctive mechanical (e.g., high strength and flexibility) and electronic (great electrical and thermal conductivities) properties, graphene is an ideal candidate in myriad applications. Thus, it has just begun to be engineered in electronics, photonics, biomedicine, and polymer-based composites, to name a few. The broad family of graphene nanomaterials (including graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, graphene quantum dots, and many more) go beyond and aim higher than mere single-layer (‘pristine’) graphene, and thus, their potential has sparked the current Special Issue. In it, 18 contributions (comprising 14 research articles and 4 reviews) have portrayed probably the most interesting lines as regards future and tangible uses of graphene derivatives. Ultimately, understanding the properties of the graphene family of nanomaterials is crucial for developing advanced applications to solve important challenges in critical areas such as energy and health

GVSU Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog, 2021-2022

Grand Valley State University 2021-2022 undergraduate and graduate course catalog. Course catalogs are published annually to provide students with information and guidance for enrollment.https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/course_catalogs/1096/thumbnail.jp