Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Life Sciences Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force Institute of Technology

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year

Articles 1 - 30 of 53

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Development Of A Methodology For The Quantification Of Reaerosolization Of A Biological Contaminant Surrogate Particle From Military Uniform Fabric, George D. Cooksey Mar 2022

Development Of A Methodology For The Quantification Of Reaerosolization Of A Biological Contaminant Surrogate Particle From Military Uniform Fabric, George D. Cooksey

Theses and Dissertations

During a mass casualty medical evacuation after a bioaerosol attack, a decontamination method is needed that is effective at both decontamination and preventing the secondary hazard of biological particles reaerosolizing from contaminated clothing. However, neither the efficacy of current decontamination methods nor the risk of biological particle reaerosolization is significantly explored in existing literature. The goals of this thesis were to develop a repeatable methodology to quantify the reaerosolization of a biological contaminate off Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) fabric swatches, and to test the efficacy of one decontamination method (high-volume, low-pressure water) using 1 mpolystyrene latex (PSL) spheres as a …


The Connection Between Indoor Air Quality And Mental Health Outcomes, William L. Taylor Mar 2020

The Connection Between Indoor Air Quality And Mental Health Outcomes, William L. Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

Mental health among United States citizens, military members, and veterans warrant research into factors not fully considered for their effects on mental health. The built environment is increasingly recognized as a potential influence on the mental health of occupants. Specifically, indoor air quality is theorized to contribute to mental illness. Through the development of a literature review, specific air pollutants common in the built environment were identified, and the mechanisms behind their effect on mental health were explored. A model framework is outlined, estimating the number of cases of major depressive disorder attributable to indoor exposure to particulate matter. The …


Retrospective Cohort Study Of Pure Tone Audiometry Threshold Shifts From Ototoxic Substance, Continuous Noise, And Impulse Noise Exposures At Tinker Air Force Base From 2005 To 2019, Marc J. Blair Mar 2020

Retrospective Cohort Study Of Pure Tone Audiometry Threshold Shifts From Ototoxic Substance, Continuous Noise, And Impulse Noise Exposures At Tinker Air Force Base From 2005 To 2019, Marc J. Blair

Theses and Dissertations

This retrospective cohort epidemiology study sought to establish the comparative risks and potential indicators of hearing loss associated with combinations of ototoxic substances, impulse noise, and continuous noise exposure. Currently, there is not an existing model or methodology in the Department of Defense (DoD) that joins occupational exposure data and pure tone audiometric data. After developing an integrated database model for Tinker Air Force Base, the largest of three depot installations within Air Force Material Command, 2,372 individuals were grouped into eight combinations of exposure groups with a minimum three years exposure duration to hazards. The incidence rates and relative …


Characterization Of The Effects Of Heavy Charged Particle Exposure On The Radiation Resistant Bacterium Deinococcus Radiodurans, Todd A. Bryant Mar 2018

Characterization Of The Effects Of Heavy Charged Particle Exposure On The Radiation Resistant Bacterium Deinococcus Radiodurans, Todd A. Bryant

Theses and Dissertations

Although not an extremophile, Deinococcus radiodurans has proven to have exceptional resistance to ionizing radiation, specifically via gamma and X-ray photons. To date, no known experiments have bombarded the bacterium with charged particles larger than hydrogen. This study explored the effects on the organism’s ability to survive high linear energy transfer heavy-charged particle exposures of oxygen ions. It also investigated the effects of low linear energy transfer ultraviolet radiation on various mutants. Two uvrB mutants were created to ascertain the importance of the gene in single-strand break repair following gamma irradiation and two recF mutants were created to explore the …


Characterization Of Silicon Ion Exposure On Deinococcus Radiodurans, Richard F. Daughtry Mar 2018

Characterization Of Silicon Ion Exposure On Deinococcus Radiodurans, Richard F. Daughtry

Theses and Dissertations

Deinococcus radiodurans is a robust bacterium that is known for its extraordinary resistance to ionizing radiation. In general, many of the investigations of this bacterium's resistance have revolved around low linear energy transfer radiation, such as gamma and electron radiation. This study explored Deinococcus radiodurans's ability to survive high linear energy transfer radiation, specifically proton and neutron radiation. Deinococcus radiodurans was dehydrated to reduce the effects of low linear energy transfer radiation. The bacteria were exposed to both neutron and proton radiation of varying amounts and rehydrated. The resulting colonies were counted and compared to colonies of non-irradiated control samples …


Human Optimization And Performance Enhancement In Flight Via Real-Time Biofeedback (Project Have Hope), Michael S. Fritts Mar 2018

Human Optimization And Performance Enhancement In Flight Via Real-Time Biofeedback (Project Have Hope), Michael S. Fritts

Theses and Dissertations

A four-phase, chronological, and build-up approach was implemented that commenced with basic hardware testing in a centrifuge and culminated in flights augmented by real-time biofeedback displays. A prototype Portable Electrocardiogram Unit (PECGU) was designed and proven to accurately measure heart rate (HR) and display percent heart rate reserve (%HRR). Results showed that %HRR was not a sole predictor of cognitive state. Cognitive responses indicated some correlation with %HRR, but were influenced by environment (centrifuge vs. flight). Subjective perceived exertion levels did not show statistically significant changes during test with biofeedback. A G-tracking task was evaluated during centrifuge and flight tests. …


The Effect Of Ammonia On The Germination And Outgrowth Of Bacillius Globigii, Joseph B. Kunicki Mar 2018

The Effect Of Ammonia On The Germination And Outgrowth Of Bacillius Globigii, Joseph B. Kunicki

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the germination and outgrowth of Bacillus globigii in the presence of ammonia in laboratory scale experiments. Germination was measured by monitoring the release of dipicolinic acid, an organic compound present in bacterial spores, while outgrowth was measured using phase-bright microscopy and semi-automated counting procedures. The ammonia-N concentrations investigated generally did not cause statistically significant differences in the initial 1-hr germination rates or the average 3-hr outgrowth rates of Bacillus globigii spores in batch style experiments. The average 1-hr germination rates observed in the absence of ammonia-N was 0.0258 hr-1 for the water and buffer controls and …


Modeling Radiation Effectiveness For Inactivation Of Bacillus Spores, Emily A. Knight Sep 2015

Modeling Radiation Effectiveness For Inactivation Of Bacillus Spores, Emily A. Knight

Theses and Dissertations

This research models and analyzes the inactivation of Bacillus spores following a radiation exposure and the process enacted by the Bacillus spore to repair the resulting damage. Irradiation of a spore and the medium surrounding the spore induces chemical reactions that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). This research will consider the reaction- diffusion of these ROS throughout the spore. These ROS can react with the spore's DNA and enzymes to degrade them to such an extent that the DNA cannot be repaired or replicated, thus causing spore death. In order to survive a dose of radiation, a spore must repair …


Low Dose Sarin Leads To Murine Cardiac Dysfunction, Michael W. Horenziak Mar 2010

Low Dose Sarin Leads To Murine Cardiac Dysfunction, Michael W. Horenziak

Theses and Dissertations

It has been reported that low dose sarin is associated with long-term pathology in the brain and heart; however, the effects of sarin on the heart have yet to be determined. In addition, sarin has been implicated as an etiological agent in Gulf War Illness. Thus, the role of sarin in producing illness has important military consequences. This study used echocardiography, electrocardiography, and histology to determine sarin’s effect on the murine cardiovascular system. C57BL/6J mice were injected with sarin at 0.4 LD50, 0.5 LD50, or saline on two consecutive days and studied for 10 weeks post exposure. The sarin animals …


Particulate Characterization And Control Evaluation For Carbon Fiber Composite Aircraft Crash Recovery Operations, Matthew R. Ferreri Mar 2010

Particulate Characterization And Control Evaluation For Carbon Fiber Composite Aircraft Crash Recovery Operations, Matthew R. Ferreri

Theses and Dissertations

Within the United States Air Force (USAF) Advanced Composite Material (ACM) is gaining an increasing use in military aircraft. With the number of aircraft that have increasingly large amounts of ACM materials, the probability of an incident with one of these aircraft also increases. When such an incident occurs the aircraft needs to be disassembled, removed, and later inspected as part of the accident investigation process. This disassembly process is termed “Crash Recovery Operations.” Carbon fibers have been shown to be hazardous to human health and a pilot study raised the suspicion that nanosized aerosol may be generated during the …


The Cost Of Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, Amy L. Gilliland Mar 2010

The Cost Of Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder And Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, Amy L. Gilliland

Theses and Dissertations

Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBIs) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are two of the signature wounds of war. Due to the advances in technology the survival rates are higher than in previous wars, however, the weaponry has changed. The world has seen an increase in the use of suicide bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) which increases the number of blast related injuries. One of the major problems with blast related injuries is that they can be invisible to the naked eye. The lack of physical evidence suggests the soldier is not injured and can …


Production Of Recombinant Injectosome And Outer Membrane Proteins From Yersinia Pestis Kim5, Jeremiah N. Betz Jun 2009

Production Of Recombinant Injectosome And Outer Membrane Proteins From Yersinia Pestis Kim5, Jeremiah N. Betz

Theses and Dissertations

Molecular biology techniques and low cost reagents have lowered the barriers to entry for development of biological arsenals by non-state and state groups. Additionally, genetic engineering of epitope targets from such pathogens as Y. pestis would annul current detection methods and therapeutic treatments. Vaccines often have short shelf lives and are of minimal utility if not used prior to exposure to BW agents. Camelidae, including camels and llamas produce unique antibodies termed Nanobodies® (Nbs) or antigen specific fragments (VHH) which are much smaller than traditional antibodies (15 vs. ~150 kDal) yet seem to attach with the same …


A Comparison Of The U.S. Air Force Fitness Test And Sister Services' Combat-Oriented Fitness Tests, Thomas E. Worden Mar 2009

A Comparison Of The U.S. Air Force Fitness Test And Sister Services' Combat-Oriented Fitness Tests, Thomas E. Worden

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores how the United States Air Force Physical Fitness Test (AFPFT) events compare to sister-services' physical fitness test events with respect to their predictability of combat capability. Multiple regression tools, non-parametric analyses, and chi2 contingency table hypothesis testing were utilized to test hypotheses about performances and determine associations between involved variables. AFPFT scores had minimal predictability (adj R2 0.2045) [but improved when raw data replaced scoring sheets, pushups have no maximum, and abdominal circumference and age are removed (adj R2 0.7703)]. Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) predicts higher combat capability (p-value 0.0208). The best two-event …


In Vitro Toxicity Of Silver Nanoparticles In Human Lung Epithelial Cells, Christina R. Kearns Mar 2009

In Vitro Toxicity Of Silver Nanoparticles In Human Lung Epithelial Cells, Christina R. Kearns

Theses and Dissertations

Nanotechnology is quickly becoming incorporated into everyday products and uses. Silver nanoparticles, specifically, are being used in commercial products, to include aerosols. The purpose of this research was to determine whether silver nanoparticles are toxic to human lung epithelial cells. Different types (coated vs. uncoated), concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) and sizes (coated 5 and 80nm, uncoated 10 and 80nm) of silver nanoparticles were used during this study. Toxicity measurements were completed through in vitro techniques. Another study was also completed on toxicity mechanisms by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated. Results showed that silver nanoparticles induce …


The Use Of Spider Webs As Passive Bioaerosol Collectors, Daniel I. Mattei Mar 2009

The Use Of Spider Webs As Passive Bioaerosol Collectors, Daniel I. Mattei

Theses and Dissertations

In this experiment, spider webs demonstrated their suitability as passive bioaerosol collectors. For spider webs to be considered suitable passive collectors webs had to satisfy three basic conditions; (1) collection of microorganisms without discrimination based on species or size, (2) collection under variable environmental conditions, and (3) saturation avoidance in the presence of strong microbial launching sources. Four field sampling locations were used, a waste water treatment facility, a commercial garden center, a secluded state park area, and a parking garage. Microscopy cover glass slides were used as the collection instrument. The methodology assured sterility during collection and promoted in …


Three Models Of Anthrax Toxin Effects On The Map-Kinase Pathway And Macrophage Survival, Daniel J. Schneider Mar 2008

Three Models Of Anthrax Toxin Effects On The Map-Kinase Pathway And Macrophage Survival, Daniel J. Schneider

Theses and Dissertations

Lethal factor (LF), a component of anthrax toxin, is the primary virulence factor that allows Bacillus anthracis to evade the immune response by blocking the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) enzymes. This research modifies three published MAPK models to reflect this signal inhibition and to estimate a first-order reaction rate by fitting the models to published viability data for two macrophage cell lines cultured with the LF-producing Bacillus anthracis-Vollum1B strain. One model appears to be ill-suited for this purpose because not all relevant MAPK components could be integrated into the inhibition equations. Despite different underlying parameters and values, the …


Characterization Of A Fluorescent Protein Reporter System, Sandra J. Dias Mar 2008

Characterization Of A Fluorescent Protein Reporter System, Sandra J. Dias

Theses and Dissertations

Chemical and biological threats are ever present and attacks have occurred throughout the world in both war and peace-time. Multiple government agencies, academia, and private industry are developing detection capabilities to address such threats. The research presented in this paper supports development of a modular synthetic biology based system that detects and reports the presence of a threat agent. Synthetic biology builds upon past research in genetic engineering and seeks to combine broad applications within biotechnology in novel ways. This basic research project will help to demonstrate a proof-of-concept design which will guide future studies on the development of a …


In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Human Keratinocytes, Stephanie Mccormack-Brown Mar 2008

In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Human Keratinocytes, Stephanie Mccormack-Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Nanotechnology promises to be the defining technology of the 21st century. At an annual investment of $1B, it provides significant contributions to manufacturing, medicine, energy conservation, and the environment. Nanoparticles are structures with at least one dimension in the 1 to 100 nanometer (nm) range. DoD and US Air Force interest in aluminum nanoparticles (AL NPs) stems from its ability to enhance combustion jet fuel, thus increasing fuel efficiency. The addition of AL NPs to JP-8 may pose a unique dermal hazard to aircraft maintenance workers. There is no published data on AL NP toxicity effects on human skin. This …


In Vitro Toxicity And Inflammation Response Induced By Copper Nanoparticles In Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Brian M. Clarke Mar 2008

In Vitro Toxicity And Inflammation Response Induced By Copper Nanoparticles In Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Brian M. Clarke

Theses and Dissertations

Nanotechnology is a thriving industry and has the potential to benefit society in numerous ways. However, not all environmental and human health concerns of nanomaterials have been addressed. Thus, the purpose of this research was to investigate the toxicity and inflammation potential (using cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 as indicators) of various sized copper nanoparticles (40, 60, and 80 nm) in rat alveolar macrophages. Toxicity measurements were accomplished by means of in vitro techniques and toxicity mechanisms were studied by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In addition, cytokine measurements used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Results show copper nanoparticles as …


Optimization Of Therapeutic Strategies For Organophosphate Poisoning, Gregory G. Seaman Mar 2008

Optimization Of Therapeutic Strategies For Organophosphate Poisoning, Gregory G. Seaman

Theses and Dissertations

The National Preparedness Vision requires the U.S. be prepared to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from all hazards associated with a chemical attack. Results of this study demonstrate that we cannot protect service members and first responders as required following a nerve agent attack. The research presented herein aimed to construct a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model to determine optimal therapeutic strategies for organophosphate (nerve agent) poisoning. The constructed model integrated organophosphates and two antidotes, atropine and oximes. Model results reasonably mirrored literature data and anecdotal observations of organophosphate poisoning. Results suggest a symptoms-based dosing strategy of atropine and …


Statistical Approach To The Characterization And Recognition Of Human Gaits, Derrick M. Chelliah Mar 2008

Statistical Approach To The Characterization And Recognition Of Human Gaits, Derrick M. Chelliah

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the final portion of a complete process for human gait recognition. The thesis takes as input information that has been generated from videotaping walking individuals and converting their gaits into numerical data that measures the locations of various points on the body through time. Beginning with this data, this thesis uses a variety of mathematical and statistical methods to create identifying signatures for each individual and identify them on the basis of that signature. The end goal is to achieve under controlled laboratory conditions human gait recognition, an identification method which does not require contact or cooperation …


Statistical Approach To Background Subtraction For Production Of High-Quality Silhouettes For Human Gait Recognition, Jennifer J. Samler Sep 2006

Statistical Approach To Background Subtraction For Production Of High-Quality Silhouettes For Human Gait Recognition, Jennifer J. Samler

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis uses a background subtraction to produce high-quality silhouettes for use in human identification by human gait recognition, an identification method which does not require contact with an individual and which can be done from a distance. A statistical method which reduces the noise level is employed resulting in cleaner silhouettes which facilitate identification. The thesis starts with gathering video data of individuals walking normally across a background scene. From there the video is converted into a sequence of images that are stored as joint photographic experts group (jpeg) files. The background is subtracted from each image using a …


An Exploration Of The Effects Of Genetic Drift On The Endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, Ryan E. Nelson Mar 2006

An Exploration Of The Effects Of Genetic Drift On The Endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, Ryan E. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) (Picoides borealis) is classified as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 due to habitat fragmentation and prescribed burn suppression. Given the endangerment of the RCW, the genetic variation of the small populations will decrease over time due to random genetic drift. The only method of battling the negative effects of random genetic drift is to move, or translocate, genetically diverse birds into the fragmented populations thereby increasing the genetic diversity of the small populations. The objective of this research effort was to explore the effects of random genetic drift on small RCW …


Comparative Analysis Of Airborne Chemical Exposure To Air Force Small Arms Range Instructors, Eric J. Cameron Mar 2006

Comparative Analysis Of Airborne Chemical Exposure To Air Force Small Arms Range Instructors, Eric J. Cameron

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines airborne chemical exposure to Air Force small arms range instructors during M16 firing of lead and lead-free bullets. Historical range information collected from 63 active duty Air Force bases identified that two thirds of the Air Force military ranges within the Continental United States are currently firing lead-free ammunition. Average 8-hr TWA exposures for lead during M16 firing of leaded ammunition were 17% of the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). Task exposures, representing worst case conditions, were found to be 1.2 time the OEL. Two indoor and four outdoor firing ranges currently firing frangible lead-free ammunition were evaluated …


In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Andrew J. Wagner Mar 2006

In Vitro Toxicity Of Aluminum Nanoparticles In Rat Alveolar Macrophages, Andrew J. Wagner

Theses and Dissertations

Nanomaterials, which are by definition in the 1 - 100 nanometer range, have numerous possible benefits to society, but currently there is a lack of data that characterizes these materials effects on human health and environment. In general nanomaterials are of interest to the Air Force because of their applications in electronics, sensors, munitions and energetic/reactive systems. Nanoparticles such as aluminum have been considered for enhancing propulsion in solid rocket fuel. To date, only a few studies have looked at the toxicological effects of direct exposure to nanoparticles, none with aluminum. It is important to increase the understanding of the …


Analysis Of Bacterial Population And Distribution In The Developing Strata Of A Constructed Wetland Used For Chlorinated Ethene Bioremediation, Milton J. Clausen Jr. Mar 2006

Analysis Of Bacterial Population And Distribution In The Developing Strata Of A Constructed Wetland Used For Chlorinated Ethene Bioremediation, Milton J. Clausen Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Chlorinated hydrocarbons and their degradation products are among of the most common organic groundwater contaminates in the United States. These compounds attack the central nervous system in animals and can affect the photosynthesis of plants. These compounds are also resistant to degradation in the environment and, because of this, pose a risk to any ecosystem in which they are present. This study identified the dominant microbial species in a constructed treatment wetland at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Samples were taken from three different depths and during each of the four seasons. These samples were …


In Vitro Toxicity Of Cadmium Oxide Particles In Brl 3a Rat Liver Cells, Janice M. Shelley Mar 2005

In Vitro Toxicity Of Cadmium Oxide Particles In Brl 3a Rat Liver Cells, Janice M. Shelley

Theses and Dissertations

For the last decade or so, in vitro toxicology has been studied as a method for determining human toxicity, as well as hazard identification and characterization. One purpose of in vitro studies is to determine the possibility of developing systems in which the toxicity of chemicals can be quantified, without heavy reliance on animal experimentation. Specific data pertaining to cadmium toxicity in humans through use of in vitro methods and models is sparse, at best. There is a need to complete more studies and collect more data to study particular chemicals and their effects and to complete proper evaluation and …


An Analysis Of Microbial Contamination In Military Aviation Fuel Systems, Harold W. Graef Mar 2003

An Analysis Of Microbial Contamination In Military Aviation Fuel Systems, Harold W. Graef

Theses and Dissertations

Military aviation fuel systems can be an ideal environment for microorganisms. Microbial growth in hydrocarbon fuel systems arises because of the impracticality of keeping fuel tanks sterile and the inevitable presence of water from condensation. Microbial contaminants in aviation fuel systems are a concern because of their potential to degrade the fuel, accelerate tank corrosion, and threaten flight safety. This research addresses the concern of using more environmentally friendly Fuel System Icing Inhibitors (FSII), which are also biocidal. Are significant levels of microorganisms growing in military aviation fuel systems, and if so, are there any common variables? Forty aviation fuel …


Deterministic Intracellular Modeling, Jacqueline B. Young Mar 2003

Deterministic Intracellular Modeling, Jacqueline B. Young

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force is interested in the potential side effects at the cellular level from exposure to mission-essential chemicals. Presently, Air Force toxicology studies are conducted to help shed light in identifying potential hazards to workers. However, it takes a considerable amount of money, resources, and time to obtain and analyze experimental results from toxicology studies. The necessity for innovative methods that enable researchers to more effectively generate and analyze data is apparent.


Stochastic Intra-Cellular Modeling, Thomas E. Hopkins Mar 2003

Stochastic Intra-Cellular Modeling, Thomas E. Hopkins

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force personnel may sometimes come into contact with potentially harmful chemicals while performing their duties. Of course the Air Force desires to keep any potential health risks to its members to a minimum. To this end the Air Force would like to identify which chemicals are toxic, their level of toxicity, and the processes by which these chemicals disrupt normal biological activities at the cellular level. The development of mathematical models can be of great benefit to toxicity studies. Because real world systems involve randomness, that is noise, and the desire is to create mathematical models to represent those …