Data Acquisition System for Linking Tissue Mechanics with Imaging and Computational Modeling

本申请中要求的National Instruments PXI数据采集（DAQ）系统将扩展萨斯喀彻温大学（UofS）工程学院、运动机能学学院和医学院在组织力学、生物力学和成像领域的研究能力。UofS多学科肌肉骨骼研究的一个中心方向是利用非侵入性成像和计算机模型评估骨力学特性。成像工具包括加拿大光源同步加速器（CLS）、微计算机断层扫描（microCT）、外周定量CT （pQCT）、高分辨率pQCT （HR-pQCT）、临床CT和磁共振成像（MRI）。计算机建模工具包括有限元（FE）建模和将图像与工程原理联系起来的图像处理方法。然而，目前尚不清楚这些成像工具和计算机模型对骨力学性能的估计有多好。应用PXI DAQ将使我们能够测量骨应变（变形）发生在骨表面在实验力学测试。通过测量骨应变，我们能够准确地将图像衍生和计算机衍生的力学性能与实验衍生的力学性能进行比较，从而确认UofS可用成像和计算工具得出的非侵入性力学性能估计。该设备的主要特点包括：高采样率，高通道容量，同时数据采集，以及可携带性，可与位于整个萨斯喀彻温大学的各种成像工具和永久性仪器一起使用。该设备将支持学生在多学科领域的培训，包括机械和生物医学工程、运动机能学和医学。PXI DAQ系统将帮助我们：(1)无创地可靠地估计骨力学特性；(2)建立可用于更好地了解骨骼和关节疾病的计算机模型。

The National Instruments PXI data acquisition (DAQ) system requested in this application will extend the research capabilities of the Colleges of Engineering, Kinesiology and Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (UofS) in the areas of tissue mechanics, biomechanics, and imaging. One central direction of UofS multidisciplinary musculoskeletal research is to assess bone mechanical properties with non-invasive imaging and computer models. Imaging tools include the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron (CLS), micro-computed tomography (microCT), peripheral quantitative CT (pQCT), high resolution pQCT (HR-pQCT), clinical CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Computer modeling tools include finite element (FE) modeling and image processing methods which link images with engineering principles. However, it is currently not known how well these imaging tools and computer models estimate bone mechanical properties. The applied PXI DAQ will enable us measure bone strain (deformation) occurring at the bone surface during experimental mechanical testing. With measures of bone strain, we are able to accurately compare image-derived and computer-derived mechanical properties with experimentally-derived properties, and thus confirm non-invasive mechanical property estimates derived available imaging and computational tools at the UofS. The key features of this equipment include: high sample rate, high channel capacity, simultaneous data acquisition, and portability for use with various imaging tools and permanent instruments located throughout the University of Saskatchewan. This device will support the training of students in a multidisciplinary area involving mechanical and biomedical engineering, kinesiology, and medicine. The PXI DAQ system will help us to: (1) reliably estimate bone mechanical properties noninvasively; and (2) build computer models that can be used to better understand bone and joint diseases.