title: A new computational approach for modeling diffusion tractography in the brain.
abstract: Computational models provide additional tools for studying the brain, however, many techniques are currently disconnected from each other. There is a need for new computational approaches that span the range of physics operating in the brain. In this review paper, we offer some new perspectives on how the embedded element method can fill this gap and has the potential to connect a myriad of modeling genre. The embedded element method is a mesh superposition technique used within finite element analysis. This method allows for the incorporation of axonal fiber tracts to be explicitly represented. Here, we explore the use of the approach beyond its original goal of predicting axonal strain in brain injury. We explore the potential application of the embedded element method in areas of electrophysiology, neurodegeneration, neuropharmacology and mechanobiology. We conclude that this method has the potential to provide us with an integrated computational framework that can assist in developing improved diagnostic tools and regeneration technologies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Harsha T
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3084-1989
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Garimella
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Reuben H
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8211-0681
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Kraft
keywords: computational biomechanics; diffusion tractography; embedded elements; explicit axonal fiber tracts; finite element analysis; neural regeneration