3,356 research outputs found
Physical Multi-Layer Phantoms for Intra-Body Communications
This paper presents approaches to creating tissue mimicking materials that
can be used as phantoms for evaluating the performance of Body Area Networks
(BAN). The main goal of the paper is to describe a methodology to create a
repeatable experimental BAN platform that can be customized depending on the
BAN scenario under test. Comparisons between different material compositions
and percentages are shown, along with the resulting electrical properties of
each mixture over the frequency range of interest for intra-body
communications; 100 KHz to 100 MHz. Test results on a composite multi-layer
sample are presented confirming the efficacy of the proposed methodology. To
date, this is the first paper that provides guidance on how to decide on
concentration levels of ingredients, depending on the exact frequency range of
operation, and the desired matched electrical characteristics (conductivity vs.
permittivity), to create multi-layer phantoms for intra-body communication
applications
In-body Communications Exploiting Light:A Proof-of-concept Study Using ex vivo Tissue Samples
This article presents a feasibility study on the transmission of information through the biological tissues exploiting light. The experimental results demonstrating the potentials of optical wireless communications through biological tissues (OCBT) are presented. The main application of the proposed technology is in-body communications, where wireless connectivity needs to be provided to implanted electronic devices, such as pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators, and smart pills, for instance. Traditionally, in-body communications are performed using radio and acoustic waves. However, light has several fundamental advantages making the proposed technology highly attractive for this purpose. In particular, optical communications are highly secure, private, safe, and in many cases, extremely simple with the potential of low-power implementation. In the experiments, near-infrared light was used, as the light propagation in biotissues is more favorable in this part of the spectrum. The amount of light exposure given to biotissues was controlled to keep it within the safety limits. Information transmission experiments were carried out with the temperature-controlled ex vivo samples of porcine tissue. The tissue temperature was found to be significantly affecting the light propagation process. Communication performance with respect to the biotissue thickness and light direction was assessed. The results showed that optical channels to and from the possible implant are nearly reciprocal. Communication links were established to the deepness of more than four centimeters, and the data rates of up to 100 Kbps were obtained. The encouraging results of this study allow us to anticipate the potential applications of the proposed light-based technology to communicate with the various electronic devices implanted at different depths in the human body
Ultrasound data communication system for bioelectronic medicines
PhD ThesisThe coming years may see the advent of distributed implantable devices to support
bioelectronic medicinal treatments. Such treatments could be complementary and, in
some cases, may even prove superior to pharmaceutical treatments for certain chronic
disease conditions. Therefore, a significant research effort is being undertaken in the
bioelectronics domain. Target conditions include diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease,
lupus, and arthritis.
Modern active medical implantable devices require communications to transmit
information to the outside world or other implantable sub-systems. This can include
physiological data, diagnostics, and parameters to optimise the therapeutic protocol.
However, the communication scheme can be very challenging especially for deeper
devices. Challenges include absorption and scattering by tissue, and the need to ensure
there are no undesirable heating effects. Wired connectivity is undesirable and tissue
absorption of traditional radio frequency and optical methods mean that ultrasound
communications have significant potential in this niche.
In this thesis, a reliable and efficient ultrasonic communication telemetry is presented.
An omnidirectional transducer has been employed to implement intra body
communication inside a model of the human body. A prototype has been implemented
to evaluate the system performance in saline and up to 30 distance between the
transmitter and receiver. Short pulses sequences with guard intervals have been
employed to minimise the multipath effect that leads to an increase in the bit and thus
packet error rates with distance. Error detection and correction code have been
employed to improve communication at a low signal to noise ratio. The data rate is
limited to 0.6 due to the necessary guard intervals. Energy per bit and current
consumption for the transmitter and receiver main parts are presented and discussed
in terms of battery life. Transmission can be achieved at an energy cost of 642 per
bit data packet using on/off power cycling in the electronics
Neuronal glucose transporter isoform 3 deficient mice demonstrate features of autism spectrum disorders.
Neuronal glucose transporter (GLUT) isoform 3 deficiency in null heterozygous mice led to abnormal spatial learning and working memory but normal acquisition and retrieval during contextual conditioning, abnormal cognitive flexibility with intact gross motor ability, electroencephalographic seizures, perturbed social behavior with reduced vocalization and stereotypies at low frequency. This phenotypic expression is unique as it combines the neurobehavioral with the epileptiform characteristics of autism spectrum disorders. This clinical presentation occurred despite metabolic adaptations consisting of an increase in microvascular/glial GLUT1, neuronal GLUT8 and monocarboxylate transporter isoform 2 concentrations, with minimal to no change in brain glucose uptake but an increase in lactate uptake. Neuron-specific glucose deficiency has a negative impact on neurodevelopment interfering with functional competence. This is the first description of GLUT3 deficiency that forms a possible novel genetic mechanism for pervasive developmental disorders, such as the neuropsychiatric autism spectrum disorders, requiring further investigation in humans
Graphene and Related Materials for the Internet of Bio-Nano Things
Internet of Bio-Nano Things (IoBNT) is a transformative communication
framework, characterized by heterogeneous networks comprising both biological
entities and artificial micro/nano-scale devices, so-called Bio-Nano Things
(BNTs), interfaced with conventional communication networks for enabling
innovative biomedical and environmental applications. Realizing the potential
of IoBNT requires the development of new and unconventional communication
technologies, such as molecular communications, as well as the corresponding
transceivers, bio-cyber interfacing technologies connecting the biochemical
domain of IoBNT to the electromagnetic domain of conventional networks, and
miniaturized energy harvesting and storage components for the continuous power
supply to BNTs. Graphene and related materials (GRMs) exhibit exceptional
electrical, optical, biochemical, and mechanical properties, rendering them
ideal candidates for addressing the challenges posed by IoBNT. This perspective
article highlights recent advancements in GRM-based device technologies that
are promising for implementing the core components of IoBNT. By identifying the
unique opportunities afforded by GRMs and aligning them with the practical
challenges associated with IoBNT, particularly in the materials domain, our aim
is to accelerate the transition of envisaged IoBNT applications from
theoretical concepts to practical implementations, while also uncovering new
application areas for GRMs
Sensor Technologies for Intelligent Transportation Systems
Modern society faces serious problems with transportation systems, including but not limited to traffic congestion, safety, and pollution. Information communication technologies have gained increasing attention and importance in modern transportation systems. Automotive manufacturers are developing in-vehicle sensors and their applications in different areas including safety, traffic management, and infotainment. Government institutions are implementing roadside infrastructures such as cameras and sensors to collect data about environmental and traffic conditions. By seamlessly integrating vehicles and sensing devices, their sensing and communication capabilities can be leveraged to achieve smart and intelligent transportation systems. We discuss how sensor technology can be integrated with the transportation infrastructure to achieve a sustainable Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and how safety, traffic control and infotainment applications can benefit from multiple sensors deployed in different elements of an ITS. Finally, we discuss some of the challenges that need to be addressed to enable a fully operational and cooperative ITS environment
Study of aerospace technology utilization in the civilian biomedical field
The treatment of patients with acute pulmonary or cardiovascular diseases is used to demonstrate the benefits to be derived from a more extensive application of NASA technology in public health care. Significant and rather universal problems faced by the medical profession and supporting services are identified. The required technology and specifications for its development and evaluation are delineated. Institutional relationships and collaboration needed to accomplish technology transfer are developed
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