Technical note: Creating a four‐dimensional model of the liver using finite element analysis

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134997/1/mp5055.pd

Displacements and rotations of a body moving about an arbitrary axis in a global reference frame

Measurement of human joint motion frequently involves the use of markers to describe joint motion in a global reference frame. Results may be quite arbitrary if the reference frame is not properly chosen with respect to the joint`s rotational axis(es). In nature joint axes can exist at any orientation and location relative to an arbitrarily chosen global reference frame. An arbitrary axis is any axis that is not coincident with a reference coordinate. Calculations are made of the errors that result when joint motion occurs about an arbitrary axis in a global reference frame

Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (MKID) Camera Testing for Submillimeter Astronomy

Developing kilopixel focal planes for incoherent submm- and mm-wave detectors remains challenging due to either the large hardware overhead or the complexity of multiplexing standard detectors. Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) provide a efficient means to produce fully lithographic background-limited kilopixel focal planes. We are constructing an MKID-based camera for the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory with 576 spatial pixels each simultaneously sensitive in 4 bands at 230, 300, 350, and 400 GHz. The novelty of MKIDs has required us to develop new techniques for detector characterization. We have measured quasiparticle lifetimes and resonator Qs for detector bath temperatures between 200 mK and 400 mK. Equivalent lifetime measurements were made by coupling energy into the resonators either optically or by driving the third harmonic of the resonator. To determine optical loading, we use both lifetime and internal Q measurements, which range between 15,000 and 30,000 for our resonators. Spectral bandpass measurements confirm the placement of the 230 and 350 GHz bands. Additionally, beam maps measurements conform to expectations. The same device design has been characterized on both sapphire and silicon substrates, and for different detector geometries. We also report on the incorporation of new shielding to reduce detector sensitivity to local magnetic fields

Temperature-dependent expression of a collagen splicing defect in the fibroblasts of a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VII.

Abstract In this article we report the characterization of the molecular lesion in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type VII and provide evidence that a de novo substitution of the last nucleotide of exon 6 in one allele of the pro-alpha 2(I) collagen gene produces normally spliced mRNA and transcripts from which exon 6 sequences have been outspliced as well. Unexpectedly, the expression of the alternative splicing was found to be temperature-dependent, for missplicing in cellula is effectively abolished at 31 degrees C and gradually increases to 100% at 39 degrees C. In contrast, in a similar patient harboring a substitution in the obligatory GT dinucleotide of the 5' splice site of intron 6, complete outsplicing of exon 6 sequences was found at all temperatures

Regulatory Considerations in the Design and Manufacturing of Implantable 3D‐Printed Medical Devices

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing, or additive manufacturing, technology has rapidly penetrated the medical device industry over the past several years, and innovative groups have harnessed it to create devices with unique composition, structure, and customizability. These distinctive capabilities afforded by 3D printing have introduced new regulatory challenges. The customizability of 3D‐printed devices introduces new complexities when drafting a design control model for FDA consideration of market approval. The customizability and unique build processes of 3D‐printed medical devices pose unique challenges in meeting regulatory standards related to the manufacturing quality assurance. Consistent material powder properties and optimal printing parameters such as build orientation and laser power must be addressed and communicated to the FDA to ensure a quality build. Postprinting considerations unique to 3D‐printed devices, such as cleaning, finishing and sterilization are also discussed. In this manuscript we illustrate how such regulatory hurdles can be navigated by discussing our experience with our group's 3D‐printed bioresorbable implantable device.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/115990/1/cts12315.pd

Habitat Characteristics of Northern Bobwhite Quail-Hunting Party Encounters: A Landscape Perspective

Landcover data and bobwhite hunting records were used to assess both hunter habitat preferences and the frequency of northern bobwhite encounters by hunting parties in relation to habitat composition during the 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 hunting seasons at the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center in southern Georgia. Patterns of habitat use by hunters, and the frequency of bobwhite encounters varied within and between years, depending on habitat quality, food availability, and other factors. Landscape-scale analyses of standardized bobwhite covey densities (based on coveys pointed in the field) and habitat composition and configuration for the 1994-1995 hunting season revealed that bobwhite densities were: (1) positively associated with the overall percentage agriculture and food plot habitat (reaching a maximum at 30-35% agriculture); and (2) positively associated with edge complexity, and positively associated with agricultural mean patch size [reaching a maximum at 2-3 hectares (5-6 acres)]. Consequently, larger food plots may be more important for increasing bobwhite encounter rates than numerous very small food plots [ \u3c 0.1 hectares (0.25 acres)]. Results of this, and related ongoing studies, have important implications for both landscape design and multiple use resource management. activities in the context of northern bobwhite habitat management in southern upland pine forest ecosystems

Adenosine kinase inhibition selectively promotes rodent and porcine islet β-cell replication

Diabetes is a pathological condition characterized by relative insulin deficiency, persistent hyperglycemia, and, consequently, diffuse micro- and macrovascular disease. One therapeutic strategy is to amplify insulin-secretion capacity by increasing the number of the insulin-producing β cells without triggering a generalized proliferative response. Here, we present the development of a small-molecule screening platform for the identification of molecules that increase β-cell replication. Using this platform, we identify a class of compounds [adenosine kinase inhibitors (ADK-Is)] that promote replication of primary β cells in three species (mouse, rat, and pig). Furthermore, the replication effect of ADK-Is is cell type-selective: treatment of islet cell cultures with ADK-Is increases replication of β cells but not that of α cells, PP cells, or fibroblasts. Short-term in vivo treatment with an ADK-I also increases β-cell replication but not exocrine cell or hepatocyte replication. Therefore, we propose ADK inhibition as a strategy for the treatment of diabetes.Stem Cell and Regenerative Biolog