This monograph aims to provide a rigorous yet accessible presentation of some fundamental concepts used in modeling brain mechanics and give a glimpse of the insights and advances that have arisen as a result of the nascent interaction of the mathematical and neurosurgical sciences. It begins with some historical perspective and a brief synopsis of the biomedical/biological manifestations of the clinical conditions/diseases considered. Each chapter proceeds with a discussion of the various mathematical models of the problems considered, starting with the simplest models and proceeding to more complex models where necessary. A detailed list of relevant references is provided at the end of each chapter. With the beginning research student in mind, the chapters have been crafted to be as self-contained as possible while addressing different clinical conditions and diseases. The book is intended as a brief introduction to both theoreticians and experimentalists interested in brain mechanics, with directions and guidance for further reading, for those who wish to pursue particular topics in greater depth. It can also be used as a complementary textbook in a graduate level course for neuroscientists and neuroengineers.

Mathematical modelling of physiological systems promises to advance our understanding of complex biological phenomena and pathophysiology of diseases. In this book, the authors adopt a mathematical approach to characterize and explain the functioning of the gastrointestinal system. Using the mathematical foundations of thin shell theory, the authors patiently and comprehensively guide the reader through the fundamental theoretical concepts, via step-by-step derivations and mathematical exercises, from basic theory to complex physiological models. Applications to nonlinear problems related to the biomechanics of abdominal viscera and the theoretical limitations are discussed. Special attention is given to questions of complex geometry of organs, effects of boundary conditions on pellet propulsion, as well as to clinical conditions, e.g. functional dyspepsia, intestinal dysrhythmias and the effect of drugs to treat motility disorders. With end of chapter problems, this book is ideal for bioengineers and applied mathematicians.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how axons and dendrites develop is a fundamental problem in neuroscience and a main goal of research on nervous system development and regeneration. Previous studies have provided a tremendous amount of information on signaling and cytoskeletal proteins regulating axonal and dendritic growth and guidance. However, relatively little is known about the relative contribution and role of cytoskeletal dynamics, transport of organelles and cytoskeletal components, and force generation to axonal elongation. Advancing the knowledge of these biomechanical processes is critical to better understand the development of the nervous system, the pathological progression of neurodegenerative diseases, acute traumatic injury, and for designing novel approaches to promote neuronal regeneration following disease, stroke, or trauma. Mechanical properties and forces shape the development of the nervous system from the cellular up to the organ level. Recent advances in quantitative live cell imaging, biophysical, and nanotechnological methods such as traction force microscopy, optical tweezers, and atomic force microscopy have enabled researchers to gain better insights into how cytoskeletal dynamics and motor-driven transport, membrane-dynamics, adhesion, and substrate rigidity influence axonal elongation. Given the complexity and mechanical nature of this problem, mathematical modeling contributes significantly to our understanding of neuronal mechanics. Nonetheless, there has been limited direct interaction and discussions between experimentalists and theoreticians in this research area. The purpose of this Frontiers Research Topic is to highlight exciting, and important work that is currently developing in the fields of neuronal cell biology, neuronal mechanics, intracellular transport, and mathematical modeling in the form of primary research articles, reviews, perspectives, and commentaries.

Mathematical modelling and computer simulations are playing a crucial role in the solution of the complex problems arising in the field of biomedical sciences and provide a support to clinical and experimental practices in an interdisciplinary framework. Indeed, the development of mathematical models and efficient numerical simulation tools is of key importance when dealing with such applications. Moreover, since the parameters in biomedical models have peculiar scientific interpretations and their values are often unknown, accurate estimation techniques need to be developed for parameter identification against the measured data of observed phenomena. In the light of the new challenges brought by the biomedical applications, computational mathematics paves the way for the validation of the mathematical models and the investigation of control problems. The volume hosts high-quality selected contributions containing original research results as well as comprehensive papers and survey articles including prospective discussion focusing on some topical biomedical problems. It is addressed, but not limited to: research institutes, academia, and pharmaceutical industries.

This volume is a collection of chapters that present several key principles and theories, as well as their potential uses in the development of mathematical models in areas like waves, thermodynamic, electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, and catastrophes. The techniques and methodologies used in this book, on the other hand, should have a long-term impact and be applicable to a wide range of different topics of study and research. Each chapter should also help readers in gaining a better knowledge of the underlying and connected concepts. The companion volume (Contemporary Mathematics, Volume 787) is devoted to theory and application.

This book describes the uses of different mathematical modeling and soft computing techniques used in epidemiology for experiential research in projects such as how infectious diseases progress to show the likely outcome of an epidemic, and to contribute to public health interventions. This book covers mathematical modeling and soft computing techniques used to study the spread of diseases, predict the future course of an outbreak, and evaluate epidemic control strategies. This book explores the applications covering numerical and analytical solutions, presents basic and advanced concepts for beginners and industry professionals, and incorporates the latest methodologies and challenges using mathematical modeling and soft computing techniques in epidemiology. Primary users of this book include researchers, academicians, postgraduate students, and specialists.

Biomechanics covers a wide field such as organ mechanics, tissue mechanics, cell mechanics to molecular mechanics. At the 6th World Congress of Biomechanics WCB 2010 in Singapore, authors presented the largest experimental studies, technologies and equipment. Special emphasis was placed on state-of-the-art technology and medical applications. This volume presents the Proceedings of the 6th WCB 2010 which was hold in conjunction with 14th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering (ICBME) & 5th Asia Pacific Conference on Biomechanics (APBiomech). The peer reviewed scientific papers are arranged in the six themes Organ Mechanics, Tissue Mechanics, Cell Mechanics, Molecular Mechanics, Materials, Tools, Devices & Techniques, Special Topics.

Mechanics of Biological Systems and Materials, Volume 4: Proceedings of the 2013 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, the fourth volume of eight from the Conference, brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on a wide range of areas, including: Structure-Function & Design of Soft Biological Tissues Soft Tissue Biomechanics: Nanoscale to Physiological Control Bone Mechanics Biomimetic Materials Residual Stresses in Biological Materials Cells Cellulose Materials

Traumatic brain injury is one of the most difficult and challenging management problems facing clinicians. Research is increasingly clarifying the underlying physiological mechanisms involved in neuronal damage, offering the chance of better methods of diagnosis and treatment. This second edition of Head Injury contains detailed coverage of basic mechanisms and investigations, and has been fully revised and updated with increased clinical content and particular emphasis on the fast-moving areas of neuromonitoring and neuroprotection. The book provides a complete management framework for traumatic brain injury, with sections on the mechanisms of injury, measuring and monitoring the injury, and treatment. New chapters include pediatric head injury, missile wounds, outcome prediction and brain death, and detailed guidelines-based management algorithms are provided in the appendices.

Damage to the central nervous system resulting from pathological mechanical loading can occur as a result of trauma or disease. Such injuries lead to significant disability and mortality. The peripheral nervous system, while also subject to injury from trauma and disease, also transduces physiological loading to give rise to sensation, and mechanotransduction is also thought to play a role in neural development and growth. This book gives a complete and quantitative description of the fundamental mechanical properties of neural tissues, and their responses to both physiological and pathological loading. This book reviews the methods used to characterize the nonlinear viscoelastic properties of central and peripheral neural tissues, and the mathematical and sophisticated computational models used to describe this behaviour. Mechanisms and models of neural injury from both trauma and disease are reviewed from the molecular to macroscopic scale. The book provides a comprehensive picture of the mechanical and biological response of neural tissues to the full spectrum of mechanical loading to which they are exposed. This book provides a comprehensive reference for professionals involved in pre prevention of injury to the nervous system, whether this arises from trauma or disease.