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James Abbas

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Center for Adaptive Neural Systems
Center Director and Associate Professor
Faculty, TEMPE Campus, Mailcode 9709
Biological and Health Systems Engineering
Assoc Professor
Faculty, TEMPE Campus, Mailcode 9709
Biography: 

James Abbas is an associate professor and director of the Center for Adaptive Neural Systems in the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering at Arizona State University. His research interests are in applications of neural engineering techniques and technology in the area of medical rehabilitation. Current projects include the development and assessment of systems that use electrical stimulation for therapy after spinal cord injury, systems to improve neuromotor control in children with cerebral palsy, systems to restore sensory capabilities to amputees, and techniques to improve sensorimotor function in people with Parkinson’s Disease. He received his bachelor's degree in bioelectrical engineering from Brown University in Providence, RI and his master's degree and doctorate in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. 

CV
Binary Data Curriculum Vitae
Education: 
  • Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University 1992
  • M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University 1989
  • Sc.B. Bioelectrical Engineering, Brown University 1982
Videos
NIH-NIBIB: 5 Cool Technologies that your tax dollars are funding -- our work in developing neural-enabled prostheses (in collaboration with Prof. Jung's group at Florida International University) is highlighted.
Research Website: 
http://ans.engineering.asu.edu/
Research Interests: 
  • Neural engineering for rehabilitation in spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease.
  • Neural interfaces for prosthetic systems and neuromuscular stimulation.
  • Technology to promote neural plasticity.
  • Adaptive biomimetic system design.
Publications: 
  • N. Krishnamurthi, J. Fleury, M. Belyea, H. Shill, and J.J. Abbas. “ReadySteady Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease: Study Design and Methods”. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, Vol. 17, (doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100513), 2020.
  • N. Muthukrishnan, J.J. Abbas, H.A. Shill, and N. Krishnamurthi, “Cueing Paradigms to Improve Gait and Posture in Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review”, Sensors, (doi: 10.3390/s19245468), 2019.
  • R. Siu, J.J. Abbas, B.K. Hillen, J. Gomes, S. Coxe, J. Castelli, S. Renaud, R. Jung, “Restoring ventilatory control using an adaptive bioelectronic system”, J Neurotrauma, (doi.org/10.1089/neu.2018.6358), 2019.
  • A. Pena, L. Rincon-Gonzalez, J.J. Abbas, and R. Jung, “Effects of vibrotactile feedback and grasp interface compliance on perception and control of a sensorized myoelectric hand”, PLOS One 14(1), e0210956. (doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210956), 2019.
  • B.M. Bartels, A. Moreno, M.J. Quezada, H. Sivertson, J. Abbas, and N. Krishnamurthi, ”Real-Time Feedback Derived from Wearable Sensors to Improve Gait in Parkinson’s Disease”, Technology & Innovation, Vol. 20, pp. 37-46 (doi.org/10.21300/20.1-2.2018.37), 2018.
  • R. Jung, J.J. Abbas, S Kuntaegowdanahalli, and A.K. Thota, “Bionic intrafascicular interfaces for recording and stimulating peripheral nerve fibers”, Bioelectronics in Medicine, Vol. 1(1), pp. 55-69, (doi.org/10.2217/bem-2017-0009), 2018.
  • A.E. Pena, S. Kuntaegowdanahalli, J.J. Abbas, J. Patrick, K.W. Horch and R. Jung, “Mechanical fatigue resistance of an implantable branched lead system for a distributed set of longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes”, J Neural Eng, Vol. 14, 066014, (doi.org/10.1088/1741-2552/aa814d), 2017.
  • O. Graudejus, T. Li, J. Cheng, N. Keiper*, R. Ponce Wong, A.B. Pak*, and J. Abbas, "The Effects of Bending on the Resistance of Elastically Stretchable Metal Conductors, and a comparison with stretching", Appl. Phys. Lett. 110, 221906 (doi: 10.1063/1.4984207), 2017.
  • J.J. Abbas, B. Smith, M. Poluta, A. Velazquez-Berumen, “Improving Health Care Delivery in Low-Resource Settings with Nanotechnology: Challenges in Multiple Dimensions”, Nanobiomedicine, Vol 4, pp. 1-14. (doi: 10.1177/1849543517701158), 2017.
  • M. Qiao, J. Abbas and D. Jindrich, “A model for differential leg joint function during human running”, Bioinspiration and Biomimetics, Vol 12(1), (doi: 10.1088/1748-3190/aa50b0), 2017.
  • C. Howard*, C. Wallace, J. Abbas, and D. Stokic, “Residual Standard Deviation: Validation of a New Measure of Dual-Task Cost in Below-Knee Prosthesis Users”, Gait & Posture, Vol 15, pp. 91-96, (doi:dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2016.09.025), 2017.
  • N. Krishnamurthi, H. Shill, D. O’Donnell, P. Mahant, J. Samanta, A. Lieberman and J. Abbas, “Polestriding intervention improves gait and axial symptoms in mild to moderate Parkinson's disease”, Arch PM&R, Vol. 98(4), pp. 613-621 (doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.10.002), 2017.
  • A. Zbrzeski, Y. Bornat, B. Hillen, R. Siu, J. Abbas, R. Jung, and S. Renaud, “Bio-inspired Controller on an FPGA applied to Closed-loop Diaphragmatic Stimulation”, Frontiers in Neuroscience, Vol. 10, (doi:dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00275), 2016.
  • J. Jellish*, J.J. Abbas, T. Ingalls, P. Mahant, J. Samanta, M.C. Ospina and N. Krishnamurthi, “A System for Real-Time Feedback to Improve Gait and Posture in Parkinson’s Disease”, IEEE J Biomedical and Health Informatics, vol.19, no.6, pp.1809-1819,
doi: 10.1109/JBHI.2015.2472560, 2015.
  • B.K. Hillen, D.L. Jindrich, J.J. Abbas ,G. T. Yamaguchi, and R. Jung, “Effects of Spinal Cord Injury Induced Changes in Muscle Activation on Foot Drag in a Computational Rat Ankle Model”, J Neurophys, 2015.  
  • A.K. Thota, S. Kuntaegowdanahalli, A.K. Starosciak, J.J. Abbas, J. Orbay, K.W. Horch, R. Jung, “A System and Method to Interface with Multiple Groups of Axons in Several Fascicles of Peripheral Nerves”, J. Neurosci Methods, (dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.07.020), 2015.
  • M.N. Abdelghani, J.J. Abbas, K.W. Horch, and R. Jung, “A Functional Model and Simulation of Spinal Motor Pools and Intrafascicular Recordings of Motoneuron Activity in Peripheral Nerve”, Front. Neurosci., 8:371. (doi:dx.doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2014.00371), 2014.
  • B.K. Hillen, J.J. Abbas and R. Jung, “Accelerating Locomotor Recovery After Incomplete Spinal Injury” Annals NY Acad Sciences, Vol. 1279, pp. 164-174, 2013.
  • B.K. Hillen, G. T. Yamaguchi, J.J. Abbas and R. Jung, “Joint-specific Changes in Locomotor Complexity in the Absence of Muscle Atrophy Following Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury”, doi:10.1186/1743-0003-10-97, J NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 10:97, 2013.  
  • A. Conovaloff*, N. Krishnamurthi, P. Mahant, J. Samanta, J.J. Abbas, “The Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation Amplitude on Motor Performance in Parkinson’s Disease”, J Parkinson’s Disease & Restless Legs Syndrome, Vol. 2, pp. 73-83, 2012.
  • N. Krishnamurthi, S. Mulligan*, P. Mahant, J. Samanta, J.J. Abbas, “Deep Brain Stimulation Amplitude Alters Posture Shift Velocity in Parkinson’s Disease”, doi: 10.1007/s11571-012-9201-5, Cognitive Neurodynamics, 2012.
  • R.J. Triolo, S. Nogan Bailey, M.E. Miller, L.M. Rohde, J.S. Anderson, J.A. Davis, Jr., J.J. Abbas, D.R. Gater, G.P. Forrest, L.A. DiPonio, L.J. Yang, “Longitudinal Performance of a Surgically Implanted Neuroprosthesis for Lower Extremity Exercise, Standing, and Transfers after Spinal Cord Injury”, Arch PM&R, Vol. 93(5), pp. 896-904, 2012.
  • M.L. Boninger, J. French, J. Abbas, L Nagy, M. Ferguson Pell, S. Johnson Taylor, M. Rodgers, N. Saunders, P.H. Peckham, R. Marshall, and A. Sherwood, “Technology for Mobility in SCI Ten Years from Now”, Spinal Cord, Vol. 50, pp. 358-363, doi:10.1038/sc.2011.165, 2012.
  • M. Fairchild, S.J. Kim, A. Iarkov, J.J. Abbas, R. Jung,  ” Repetetive Hindlimb Movement Using Intermittent Adaptive Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Rodent Model”, Exp Neurol. Vol. 223(2), pp. 623-33, 2010.
  • R. Jung, A. Belanger, T. Kanchiku, M. Fairchild, and J.J. Abbas, ” Neuromuscular Stimulation Therapy After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Promotes Recovery of Locomotor Control”, J. Neural Eng., Vol. 6(5), doi:10.1088/1741-2560/6/5/055010, 2009.
  • R. Jung, K. Ichihara, G. Venkatasubramanian and J.J. Abbas, ”Chronic Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Paralyzed Hindlimbs in a Rodent Model”, J. Neuroscience Methods, Vol. 183(2), pp. 241-54, 2009.
  • A. Downing*, K. Ganley, D.R. Fay, and J.J. Abbas, “Temporal Characteristics of Lower Extremity Moment Generation in Children with Cerebral Palsy”, Muscle & Nerve, 29, pp. 800-809, 2009.
  • S. J. Kim, M. Fairchild, A. Iarkov, J.J. Abbas, and R. Jung, ”Adaptive Control of Movement for Neuromuscular Stimulation-assisted Therapy in a Rodent Model”, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng., Vol. 56(2), pp. 452-461, 2009.
  • K.Ichihara, G. Venkatasubramanian, J.J. Abbas, and R. Jung. ”Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of the Hindlimb Muscles for Movement Therapy in a Rodent Model”. J Neurosci Methods, Vol. 176(2), pp. 213-224, 2009.
  • J.C. Gillette, C. A. Stevermer, N.E. Quick, and J.J. Abbas, “Alternative Foot Placements for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries Standing with the Assistance of Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation”, Gait and Posture, Vol. 27(2), pp.280-285, 2008.
  • T.J. Kanchiku, J.V. Lynskey, D. Protas, J.J. Abbas and R. Jung. “Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Induced Forelimb Movement in a Rodent Model”, J. Neurosc. Methods, Vol. 167(2), pp. 317-26, 2008.
  • J.C. Gillette and J.J. Abbas, “Foot Placement Alters the Mechanisms of Postural Control While Standing and Reaching”, IEEE Trans. Neural Systems & Rehab, Vol. 11(4), pp. 377-385, 2003.
  • J.C. Gillette, N.E. Quick, and J.J. Abbas, “Center of Pressure Measures to Assess FNS Standing Performance” Biomedical Sci Instrum, Vol. 38, pp. 239-244, 2002.
  • J.A. Riess*, and J.J. Abbas, "Adaptive Control of Cyclic Movements as Muscles Fatigue Using Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation", IEEE Trans. Rehab. Eng. Vol. 9(3), pp. 326-330, 2001.
  • J.J. Abbas and R. Riener, "Using Mathematical Models and Advanced Control Systems Techniques to Enhance Neuroprosthesis Function", Neuromodulation, Vol. 4(4), pp. 187-195, 2001.
  • R. Jung, E.J. Brauer, and J.J. Abbas, “Real-time Interaction Between a Neuromorphic Electronic Circuit and the Spinal Cord”, IEEE Trans. Rehab. Eng. Vol. 9(3), pp. 319-326, 2001.
  • J.J. Abbas and J.C. Gillette, "Approaches to Control Standing Posture using Electrical Stimulation", IEEE Control Systems Mag. Vol. 21(4), pp. 80-90, 2001.
  • E. Stites* and J.J. Abbas “Sensitivity and Versatility of an Adaptive System for Controlling Cyclic Movements Using Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation”, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng. Vol. 47(9), pp. 1287-1292, 2000.
  • J.A. Riess* and J.J. Abbas, "Adaptive Neural Network Control of Cyclic Movements Using Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation", IEEE Trans. Rehab. Eng., Vol. 8(1), pp. 42-52, 2000.
  • D.R. Gater, S.M. McDowell, and J.J. Abbas, “Electrical Stimulation: A Societal Perspective”, Assistive Technology, Vol. 12, pp. 85-91, 2000.
  • S. Grandhe, J.J. Abbas and R. Jung, "Brain-Spinal Cord Interactions Stabilize the Locomotor Rhythm to an External Perturbation", Biomedical Sci Instrum,  Vol. 35, pp. 175-180, 1999.
  • J.J. Abbas and R.J. Triolo, “Experimental Evaluation of an Adaptive Feedforward Controller for Use in Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation Systems”, IEEE Trans. Rehab. Eng., Vol. 5(1), pp. 12-22, 1997.
  • J.A. Riess* and J.J. Abbas, “Evaluation of FNS Control Systems:  Software Development and Sensor Characterization”, Biomedical Sci Instrum, Vol. 33, pp. 197-202, 1997
  • P.E. Crago, N. Lan, P.H. Veltink, J.J. Abbas and C. Kantor, “New Control Strategies for Neuroprosthetic Systems”, J. Rehab. Res. & Devel., Vol. 33(2), pp.158-172, 1996.
  • J.J. Abbas and H.J. Chizeck, “Neural Network Control of Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation Systems:  Computer Simulation Studies”, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng., Vol. 42(11), pp. 1117-1126, 1995.
  • J.J. Abbas and H.J. Chizeck, “Feedback Control of Coronal Plane Hip Angle Using Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation”, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng., Vol. 38(7), pp. 687-698, 1991.
  • H.J. Chizeck, R. Kobetic, E.B. Marsolais, J.J. Abbas, I.H. Donner and E. Simon, “Control of Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation Systems for Standing and Locomotion in Paraplegics”, Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 76(9), pp. 1155-1165, 1988.
Research Activity: 
Spring 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 556Human Systems Neuroscience
NEU 556Human Systems Neuroscience
BME 592Research
BME 593Applied Project
BME 599Thesis
MAE 792Research
BME 792Research
MAE 799Dissertation
Fall 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 592Research
BME 593Applied Project
BME 598Special Topics
BME 599Thesis
MAE 792Research
BME 792Research
MAE 795Continuing Registration
MAE 799Dissertation
Summer 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 593Applied Project
Spring 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
NEU 556Human Systems Neuroscience
BME 556Human Systems Neuroscience
BME 592Research
BME 593Applied Project
BME 599Thesis
MAE 792Research
BME 792Research
MAE 799Dissertation
Fall 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
ASU 101-BMEThe ASU Experience
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 592Research
BME 593Applied Project
BME 598Special Topics
BME 599Thesis
BME 792Research
MAE 792Research
MAE 799Dissertation
Summer 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
Spring 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
NEU 556Human Systems Neuroscience
BME 556Human Systems Neuroscience
BME 592Research
BME 593Applied Project
BME 599Thesis
MAE 792Research
BME 792Research
MAE 799Dissertation
Fall 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
ASU 101-BMEThe ASU Experience
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 593Applied Project
BME 598Special Topics
MAE 792Research
MAE 799Dissertation
Summer 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
Spring 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 556Human Systems Neuroscience
NEU 556Human Systems Neuroscience
BME 590Reading and Conference
BME 593Applied Project
Fall 2016
Course NumberCourse Title
ASU 101-BMEThe ASU Experience
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 592Research
BME 593Applied Project
BME 598Special Topics
MAE 792Research
MAE 799Dissertation
Spring 2016
Course NumberCourse Title
BME 394Special Topics
BME 413Biomedical Instrumentation
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 556Human Systems Neuroscience
NEU 556Human Systems Neuroscience
BME 590Reading and Conference
BME 593Applied Project
Fall 2015
Course NumberCourse Title
ASU 101-BMEThe ASU Experience
BME 394Special Topics
BME 423Biomedical Instrumentation Lab
BME 492Honors Directed Study
BME 493Honors Thesis
BME 593Applied Project
MAE 792Research
MAE 799Dissertation
Editorships: 
  • Review Editor, Frontiers in Neuroengineering 
  • Editorial Board, Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation 
  • Associate Editor, IEEE Neural Engineering Conference
  • Associate Editor, IEEE EMBS Conference Editorial Board (CEB) 

 

Graduate Faculties / Mentoring History: 

Arizona State University:

  • School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering
  • School for Engineering of Matter, Transport & Energy
  • Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience
  • Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University

Arizona School of Health Sciences

  • Department of Physical Therapy

 

Service: 

 

Chair, Funding Agency Review Panels:

National Institutes of Health:  

  • National Institute for Child Health and Development, Chair, Special Emphasis Panel (2013)
  • National Institute for Child Health and Development; Function, Integration and Rehabilitation Subcommittee; National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, Chair, ad hoc panel (2013a,b)

Congressionally-Directed Medical Research Program:

  • Panel Chair (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014a, 2014b, 2015)

Member, Funding Agency Review Panel:

National Institutes of Health:  

  • SBIR Health Disparities (2016)
  • New Innovator Award Program (2014)
  • Rehabilitation Research Career Development Programs, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, (2012)
  • Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Sciences Study Section (2012)
  • EUREKA Study Section (2011)
  • National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, ad hoc reviews (2010, 2011)
  • Function, Integration and Rehabilitation Subcommittee, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, Standing Member (2006-2010), 
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, Special Emphasis Panel (2007)
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Initial Review Group (2006)
  • Clinical Neuroscience and Disease Study Section (2006 a,b)
  • National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, Special Study Section (2005-6)
  • Brain Disorders and Clinical Neurosciences-1, Ad-hoc member (2007; 2006; 2005a,b,c; 2004a,b,c; 2001)
  • Medical Rehabilitation Research Subcommittee Study Section (2002)
  • Human Brain Project Special Emphasis Study Section (2002)
  • Geriatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine Study Section (2001, 2002)
  • Multidisciplinary Clinical Sciences Special Emphasis Study Section  (9 panel meetings, 1995-1999).

Department of Education:

  • National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center Panel, (2004)
  • National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Field Initiated Research Review Panel Standing Member, (1999-2003)
  • National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Small Business Innovation Research Review Panel, (2000-2001)

National Science Foundation: 

  • Biomedical Engineering Career Awards Review Panel (2001)
  • Integrative Biology and Neuroscience, Ad-hoc Review (2001)
  • Biomedical Engineering Research to Aid Persons with Disabilities Panel (2000, 2001)
  • Instrument Development for Biological Research, Ad-hoc Review (2000)
  • Computational Neuroscience, Ad-hoc Reviewer (1996)
  • Behavioral Neuroscience. Ad-hoc Reviewer (1996)
  • Biological Systems Analysis & Control Panel (1995)
  • Biomechanics & Rehabilitation Panel (1994)

Congressionally-Directed Medical Research Program:

  • Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Panel (2014, 2015, 2017)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs, Rehabilitation Research & Development 
  • (2003,2010,2013, 2015)

Department of Defense:

  • US Army MRMC (2008, 2016)

Paralyzed Veterans of America (2017)

Other Agencies and Institutes

  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
  • Innovation and Technology Commission, Government of Hong Kong
  • Medical Research Council, United Kingdom
  • Neurological Foundation of New Zealand
  • Canada Foundation for Innovation
  • Netherlands Technology Foundation
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Barrow Neurological Institute
  • University of Southern California
  • The National Academies

Journals:

  • Bulletin of the World Health Organization
  • PLOS ONE
  • PLOS Computational Biology
  • Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation
  • IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
  • IEEE Transactions on Rehabilitation Engineering
  • IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man & Cybernetics
  • Frontiers in Neuroscience
  • Frontiers in Neuroengineering
  • Annals of Biomedical Engineering
  • Neuromodulation
  • Scholarpedia
  • Computers in Biology and Medicine
  • Assistive Technology
  • Intelligent Systems Engineering
  • Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology
  • Advances in Skin and Wound Care
  • Physics in Medicine & Biology
  • Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
  • Experimental Neurology

Conferences:

  • IEEE Neural Engineering Conference
  • Design of Medical Devices Conference
  • WHO Global Forum on Medical Devices
  • Internal Functional Electrical Stimulation Society Annual Conference
  • IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Conference
  • Biomedical Engineering Society Conference
  • Canadian National Spinal Cord Injury Conference
  • Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America Conference
Expertise Areas: 
Neural Engineering
Neural Prosthetics
Neurorehabilitation
Prosthetics
Biomechanics