Nanoscale Mechanics of Helical and Angular Structures: Exploring and Expanding the Capabilities of Objective Molecular Dynamics
University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. June 2014. Major: Mechanical Engineering. Advisor: Traian Dumitrica. 1 computer file (PDF); x, 152 pages, appendices A-D.
Purpose ::: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease starting with key molecular events that ultimately lead to the breakdown of the cartilage. The purpose of this study is to use two imaging methods that are sensitive to molecular and macromolecular changes in OA to better characterize the disease process in human osteoarthritic cartilage.