Analysis of Circular Dichroism and Linear Dichroism Spectroscopy

Circular Dichroism (CD) and Linear Dichroism (LD) spectroscopies measure the difference in absorption between left and right circularly polarized light and parallel and perpendicular linearly polarized light as a function of wavelength respectively. CD and LD are popular biomedical physics techniques used to determine structural changes in biomolecules. This dissertation addresses improvements made to the measurement of CD and LD signals by characterizing the transfer function of the spectrometer. Shot noise, stray light and dark current were characterized. A new model for the measurement of the CD signal involving the presence of static birefringence was derived and tested by implementation of novel techniques used to measure the phase-difference amplitude and static birefringence in the photoelastic modulator (PEM) crystal. The model was tested by measuring the fractional change in the signal on Camphorsulfonic Acid (for CD) and Chrysazin (for LD). It is hoped that this study will impact how CD and LD are measured and analyzed in the future.  Ph.D

Analysis of Circular Dichroism and Linear Dichroism Spectroscopy

Circular Dichroism (CD) and Linear Dichroism (LD) spectroscopies measure the difference in absorption between left and right circularly polarized light and parallel and perpendicular linearly polarized light as a function of wavelength respectively. CD and LD are popular biomedical physics techniques used to determine structural changes in biomolecules. This dissertation addresses improvements made to the measurement of CD and LD signals by characterizing the transfer function of the spectrometer. Shot noise stray light and dark current were characterized. A new model for the measurement of the CD signal involving the presence of static birefringence was derived and tested by implementation of novel techniques used to measure the phase-difference amplitude and static birefringence in the photoelastic modulator (PEM) crystal. The model was tested by measuring the fractional change in the signal on Camphorsulfonic Acid (for CD) and Chrysazin (for LD). It is hoped that this study will impact how CD and LD are measured and analyzed in the future.

How to iGuide: flat panel detector, CT-assisted, minimally invasive evacuation of intracranial hematomas.

Evidence is growing to support minimally invasive surgical evacuation of intraparenchymal hematomas, particularly those with minimal residual hematoma volumes following evacuation. To maximize the potential for neurologic recovery, it is imperative that the trajectory for access to the hematoma minimizes disruption of normal parenchyma. Flat panel detector CT-based navigation and needle guidance software provides a platform that uses flat panel detector CT imaging obtained on the angiography table to aid reliable and safe access to the hematoma. In addition to providing a high degree of accuracy, this method also allows convenient and rapid re-imaging to assess navigation accuracy and the degree of hematoma evacuation prior to procedural completion. We provide a practical review of the syngo iGuide needle guidance software and the methodology for incorporating its use, and the software of other vendors, in a variety of minimally invasive methods for evacuation of intraparenchymal hematomas

How to WEB: a practical review of methodology for the use of the Woven EndoBridge.

Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) make up 26-36% of all brain aneurysms. Treatments for WNBAs pose unique challenges due to the need to preserve major bifurcation vessels while achieving a durable occlusion of the aneurysm. Intrasaccular flow disruption is an innovative technique for the treatment of WNBAs. The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is the only United States Food and Drug Administration approved intrasaccular flow disruption device. In this review article we discuss various aspects of treating WNBAs with the WEB device, including indications for use, aneurysm/device selection strategies, antiplatelet therapy requirement, procedural technique, potential complications and bailouts, and management strategies for residual/recurrent aneurysms after initial WEB treatment

Human Rights and the Social Work Curriculum: Integrating Human Rights into Skill-Based Education Regarding Policy Practice Behaviors

This article provides a model for social work educators seeking to integrate human rights content in the policy course. Each of the four policy-related practice behaviors (e.g., policy formulation, policy analysis, policy advocacy, and collaboration in policy practice) is examined with respect to the traditional methods used in social welfare policy courses and the ways in which these methods can be expanded to include human rights content. Available literature and multimedia resources are noted and practical human rights applications are presented with the goal of supporting efforts to achieve this integration