The brain has a remarkable ability to rapidly adapt behavior. On the scale of development, the brain learns to control the complex dynamics of our limbs by forming and pruning synaptic connections. However, the motor system also learns on much shorter timescales, such as when learning to hit the bullseye...
Step length is a common measurement taken during gait analyses. It allows one to determine asymmetries between the two legs, compare differences between subjects, and even compare intra-subject differences for changing parameters. Yet there has been little investigation of step length specifically and how it is modulated during walking. This...
The objective of this study was to investigate how brain plasticity can be expressed following injury to the nervous system. This plasticity can occur after either direct injury to the brain, such as in hemiparetic stroke, or injury to the peripheral nerves, such as in upper-limb amputation. In order to...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor, with the highest incidence in Asia. Developed countries, including the United States, have had an 80% increase in HCC incidence over the last 15-20 years.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a promising imaging modality with superior soft tissue...
All forces applied to the human hand are transmitted through the arm to the trunk. Hence, the arm represents an important mechanical interface between the trunk and the environment. By regulating this interface in a task-appropriate manner, humans are able to interact with a wide range of tools and objects,...
Coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is emerging as a promising method for noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery diseases. Nonetheless, acquisition of large-coverage high-resolution coronary artery images requires free-breathing acquisition. Accurately measuring and correcting respiratory motion has been one of the major challenges to coronary MRA. Diaphragmatic navigator (NAV), the current...
A critical challenge in improving the quality of life for spinal cord injury survivors is to restore the capacity to grasp and manipulate objects. While progress has been made to restore hand function by using functional electrical stimulation (FES) to activate muscles, providing the means to control the multiple degrees...
Articular cartilage is a type of connective tissue that protects the underlying bone from the compressive forces of daily activities. When cartilage is damaged via a traumatic event, chondral defects are formed and require medical intervention. However, current treatments are of inconsistent efficacy and only benefit a subset of patients....
Caffeine is the most widely consumed methylxanthine, primarily found in beverages. As a nonspecific antagonist to adenosine, caffeine binds to both A1 and A2A adenosine receptors to increase neural activity and decrease cerebral blood flow, which allows it to alter neurovascular coupling. However, there has been much debate about the...
The adhesive strategies of living creatures are diverse, ranging from temporary to permanent adhesions with various functions such as locomotion, self-defense, communication, colony formation, and so on. The classic example of temporary adhesion is the gecko, which is known for its ability to walk along vertical and even inverted surfaces;...