Fig. 1.
CTE-associated p-tau NFTs accumulate in regions of the brain that undergo the greatest mechanical deformation during TBI. (A) NFTs accumulate in the sulcal depths and perivascular regions of the brain in CTE patients (7). (B and C) Two-dimensional quasi-static, finite element model of a single sulcus during impact injury. First principal strain is at a maximum in the deepest part of the sulcal depth. (D and E) Parametric studies of the effect of brain geometry on maximum principal strain during impact in the sulcus model. (D) Effect of sulcal width on maximum first principal strain (width = 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm). (E) Effect of sulcal depth on maximum first principal strain (depth = 50, 60, 70, and 80 mm). (F) Two-dimensional quasi-static, finite element model of a perivascular region surrounding a single pressurized blood vessel. First principal strain is at a maximum nearest the vessel. (G and H) Parametric studies of the effect of vessel geometry and material properties on principal strain during brain deformation. (G) Effect of vessel outer radius on spatial strains (radius = 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 mm). (H) Effect of vessel modulus on spatial strains, where Evessel = αEbrain (α = 3, 9, 21, 41, and 81).