Digital Commons Network^™

Synthetic Hydrogel As An Artificial Vitreous Body. A One-Year Animal Study Of Its Effects On The Retina, T. V. Chirila, I. J. Constable, Y. Hong, S. Vijayasekaran, M. F. Humphrey, P. D. Dalton, S. G. Tahija, M. A. L. Maley, M. J. H. Cuypers, C. Sharp, S. R. Moore, M. J. Davies

Cells and Materials

A hydrogel with a high water content was assessed in vitro and in vivo as a possible vitreous substitute. From a large series of polymers produced by the aqueous polymerization of methyl acrylamidoglycolate methyl ether (MAGME), a gel synthesized in 80% water was selected for an animal study. The gel was injected intravitreally into rabbit eyes and followed clinically by ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and fundus photography. The gel was clinically well tolerated, but after 6 months ophthalmoscopy revealed progressive pallor of the optic nerve head. The eyes were enucleated one year after injection of polymer. Histopathological examination by light microscopy of …

Three-Dimensional Morphology And Platelet Adhesion On Pyrolytic Carbon Heart Valve Materials, S. L. Goodman, K. S. Tweden, R. M. Albrecht

Cells and Materials

Low-temperature isotropic pyrolytic carbon (LTIC) is the preferred material for mechanical heart valve prosthetics due to its durability and good thromboresistance, although thromboembolic complications remain a significant clinical problem. LTlC morphology has been previously studied using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). However, these microscopies have limitations with imaging rough surfaces. In this study, LTIC valve leaflets from CarboMedics, Inc. and St. Jude Medical, Inc. were prepared and polished exactly as used in clinical prosthetics, and examined at magnifications up to macromolecular resolution using stereo-pair low-voltage SEM (LV -SEM). LV -SEM reveals that LTIC …

Qpsk Block-Modulation Codes For Unequal Error Protection, Robert H. Morelos-Zaragoza, Shu Lin

Faculty Publications

Unequal error protection (UEP) codes find applications in broadcast channels, as well as in other digital communication systems, where messages have different degrees of importance. Binary linear UEP (LUEP) codes combined with a Gray mapped QPSK signal set are used to obtain new efficient QPSK block-modulation codes for unequal error protection. Several examples of QPSK modulation codes that have the same minimum squared Euclidean distance as the best QPSK modulation codes, of the same rate and length, are given. In the new constructions of QPSK block-modulation codes, even-length binary LUEP codes are used. Good even-length binary LUEP codes are obtained …

Adsorption Of Bovine Serum Albumin Onto Octacalcium Phosphate And Its Hydrolyzates, O. Suzuki, H. Yagishita, M. Yamazaki, T. Aoba

Cells and Materials

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) has been advocated to be a precursor of biomineral s. Tn this report , we aimed at investigating OCP hydrolysis and the interaction of OCP and its hydrolyzates (apatitic products) with bovine serum albumin (BSA). A batch of synthetic OCP was allowed to hydrolyze either (a) in deionized water at 70°C or (b) in Tris buffer (pH 7.4) containing 2 ppm fluoride at 37°C. OCP hydrolysis was completed within reasonable experimental periods: after 48 hours at 70°C and after 10 days at 37°C in the presence of fluoride. The adsorption isotherms of BSA onto the original OCP …

Adsorption Of Proteins At Solid-Liquid Interfaces, Willem Norde

Cells and Materials

This paper concisely reviews the general principles underlying protein adsorption from aqueous solution onto a solid surface. The discussion includes the various stages of the adsorption process, i. e., transport of the protein molecules towards the surface, the absorbed amount under equilibrium conditions, desorption and re-adsorption. Among the interactions that determine the overall protein adsorption process (1 ) redistribution of charged groups in the interfacial layer, (2) changes in the hydration of the sorbent and the protein surface, and (3) structural rearrangements in the protein molecule play major roles. Special attention is given to the relation between the structural stability …

Co-Culture Of Endothelial Cells And Smooth Muscle Cells In A Flow Environment: An Improved Culture Model Of The Vascular Wall?, Thierry Ziegler, Keith A. Robinson, R. Wayne Alexander, Robert M. Nerem

Cells and Materials

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the neighboring smooth muscle cells (SMC) influence the morphology, cytoskeleton and growth of co-cultured endothelial cells (EC). Also, flow-induced laminar shear stress has been shown to induce cell elongation, F-actin reorganization and growth inhibition in cultured EC. We investigated the effect of neighboring SMC and collagen matrix on the response of EC to shear stress. The co-culture system was made by growing porcine aortic SMC in a gel of collagen type I and then seeding porcine aortic EC (P AEC) on the top surface. Then the co-culture was exposed to steady, laminar shear stress of …

Some Observations On The Structure Of Encrusting Biofilms Of Proteus Mirabilis On Urethral Catheters, C. Winters, D. J. Stickler, N. S. Howe, T. J. Williams, N. Wilkinson, C. J. Buckley

Cells and Materials

A physical model of the bladder has been used to study the process of urinary catheter encrustation. Techniques have been devised for the preparation of sections through these encrustations in situ on the luminal surfaces of catheters and for mapping the distribution of calcium and magnesium in the biofilms. Transmission electron microscopy on these sections showed struvite-like crystals lying in the matrix and in direct contact with the catheter surface. Calcium phosphate ("bioapatite") was distributed throughout the film and many of these amorphous particles appear to have cells at their cores. Freeze-substituted sections of biofilms also showed electron dense materials …

Creep Fatigue, Part I: Compilation Of Data And Trends In The Creep-Fatigue Behavior Of Low Alloy Steels, Tarun Goswami

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper describes an attempt to compile the creep-fatigue data of low alloy steels. In part I, international data have been collected to compare the variability that exists in a particular low alloy steel when characterized in different laboratories. From this work of compilation, trends in the creep-fatigue behavior of low alloy steels have been identified in Part II of this paper and a review of life prediction methods and assessments will be discussed in subsequent papers. The creep-fatigue behavior, in general, improved with the increase in chromium content; however, when additional alloying elements were added to a standard alloy …

Kemod: A Mixed Chemical Kinetic And Equilibrium Model Of Aqueous And Solid Phase Geochemical Reactions, G. T. Yeh, G. A. Iskra, J. E. Szecsody, John M. Zachara, G. P. Streile

United States Department of Energy: Publications

This report presents the development of a mixed chemical Kinetic and Equilibrium MODel (KEMOD), in which every chemical species can be treated either as a equilibrium-controlled or as a kinetically controlled reaction. The reaction processes include aqueous complexation, adsorption/ desorption, ion exchange, precipitation/dissolution, oxidation/reduction, and acid/base reactions. Further development and modification of KEMOD can be made in: (1) inclusion of species switching solution algorithms, (2) incorporation of the effect of temperature and pressure on equilibrium and rate constants, and (3) extension to high ionic strength.

Master Of Science Degree Programs Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems 1995, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Error Control For Continuous Media And Multipoint Applications, Christos Papadopoulos, Guru Parulkar

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

High-bandwidth multimedia applications pose new challenges to error control. These include the support of error control for Continuous Media (CM) streams and the scalable support of error control in multipoint applications where the number of participants is large. Current error control mechanisms provide no support for the above applications. In this report we present new error control mechanisms that provide the required support. Continuous media applications have strict timing requirements which greatly affect recovery. To support continuous media applications we have designed and implemented a point-to-point error control mechanism which features the following: (1) selective repeat retransmission, (2) conditional retransmission, …

Webwork: Integrated Programming Environment Tools For National And Grand Challenges, Geoffrey C. Fox, Wojtek Furmanski, Marina Chen, Claudio Rebbi, James H. Cowie

Physics - All Scholarship

Challenging-scale problems consistently demand solutions that fuse geographically distributed and heterogeneous data, personnel, expertise, and resources. For example, national health care problems require collaboration among experts of fields as diverse as medical informatics, public policy, robotics, and high performance computing to solve problems ranging from telemedicine to cost management and quality control. Indeed, many National Challenges include Grand Challenges as subcomponents. We can pose the Integrated Challenge as the solution of etaproblems hosted on world-wide metacomputers linking all three aspects: simulation, information processing, and collaboration. We suggest a hybrid approach to Integrated Challenges that combines World-Wide Web (WWW) technologies with …

Techniques For Scheduling I/O In A High Performance Multimedia-On-Demand Server, Divyesh Jadav, Chutimet Srinilta, Alok Choudhary, P. B. Berra

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - All Scholarship

One of the key components of a multi-user multimedia-on-demand system is the data server. Digitalization of traditionally analog data such as video and audio, and the feasibility of obtaining network bandwidths above the gigabit-per-second range are two important advances that have made possible the realization, in the near future, of interactive distributed multimedia systems. Secondary-to-main memory I/O technology has not kept pace with advances in networking, main memory and CPU processing power. Consequently, the performance of the server has a direct bearing on the overall performance of such a system. In this paper we present a high-performance solution to the …

Mathematical Modeling Of A Nickel-Cadmium Cell: Proton Diffusion In The Nickel Electrode, Pauline De Vidts, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

In this paper we present a mathematical model of a sealed nickel-cadmium cell that includes proton diffusion and ohmic drop through the active material in the nickel electrode. The model is used to calculate sensitivity coefficients for various parameters in the model. These calculations show that the discharge voltage of the cell is affected mostly by the kinetics of the nickel reaction. Toward the end of discharge, proton diffusion also becomes important, because the proton diffusion process affects the active material utilization significantly. During charge, the cell voltage is mainly affected by the kinetics of the nickel reaction until the …

Study Of The Time Efficiency And Volume Of Wood Used For Three Types Of Stove In The Salitrón Community Of San Juan Ermita, Department Of Chiquimula, Fredy Samuel Coronado López

Theses and Dissertations

In developing countries such as Guatemala, firewood is increasingly being used for cooking in most rural areas. Consequently, there is a shortage of firewood in these areas beca use trees do not grow at the same rate as they are consumed. Some authors report that 90% of the heat from firewood is lost during combustion. Several alternatives to open pit fires exist to reduce the amount of firewood used. However, these alternatives need to be evaluated to determine their efficiency. This project compared the time efficiency and volume of firewood used in the Finlandia style improved stoves, Josefina stoves, and …

Gaussian Beam Resonator Formalism Using The Yy Method, Kenneth A. Menard

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A simple and powerful new paraxial ray formalism is shown to provide an alternate method for designing Gaussian Beam Resonators. The theory utilizes the Delano yybar diagram approach and is an extension of the recent work by Shack and Kessler for laser systems. The method is shown to be complementary to the conventional ABCD method and is founded upon J.A. Arnaud's pioneering ideas for complex rays. The thesis develops an analytic formulation of a ray based complex wavefront curvature and yields a clearly generalized description of spherical wave propagation, for which Gaussian beams are considered a special case. The resultant …

An Investigation Into Artificial Intelligence Based Generative Computer Process Planning, William Tereshkovich

Theses

The process planning function can be further optimized with the introduction of an intelligent software package such as an Artificial Intelligence based Generative Computer Process Planning System. An AI based CAPP system, also categorized as an expert system, provides the vital link between design and manufacture, a "bridge" of knowledge in the information chain of manufacturing engineering. With the increasing role of computers in the process planning function, planning has become easier, faster, and more efficient.

This thesis provides an explanation of the process planning function and how artificial intelligence will improve it. Topics in AI techniques and procedures, knowledge …

Beam Modes Of Lasers With Misaligned Complex Optical Elements, Anthony A. Tovar

Dissertations and Theses

A recurring theme in my research is that mathematical matrix methods may be used in a wide variety of physics and engineering applications. Transfer matrix techniques are conceptually and mathematically simple, and they encourage a systems approach. Once one is familiar with one transfer matrix method, it is straightforward to learn another, even if it is from a completely different branch of science. Thus it is useful to overview these methods, and this has been done here. Of special interest are the applications of these methods to laser optics, and matrix theorems concerning multipass optical systems and periodic optical systems …

Solid Waste Disposal Site Characterization Using Non-Intrusive Electromagnetic Survey Techniques And Geostatistics, Gary N. Kuhn, Wayne E. Woldt, David D. Jones, Dennis D. Schulte

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Prior to the research reported in this paper, a site-specific hydrogeologic investigation was developed for a closed solid waste facility in Eastern Nebraska using phased subsurface characterizations. Based on the findings of this prior investigation, a surface based geoelectric survey using electromagnetic induction to measure subsurface conductivity was implemented to delineate the vertical and horizontal extent of buffed waste and subsurface contamination. This technique proved to be a key non-intrusive, cost-effective element in the refinement of the second phase of the hydrogeologic investigation.

Three-dimensional ordinary kriging was used to estimate conductivity values at unsampled locations. These estimates were utilized to …

Electrowinning Of Non-Noble Metals With Simultaneous Hydrogen Evolution At Flow-Through Porous Electrodes I. Theoretical, Mahmoud M. Saleh, John W. Weidner, Badr G. Ateya

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model is developed to simulate the electrowinning of non-noble metals (e.g., Zn, Cr) within flow-through porous electrodes under the conditions of simultaneous evolution of hydrogen gas bubbles. The results of the model are presented as a function of several dimensionless groups representing kinetics, mass transfer, ohmic resistance, and gas bubbles. These coupled, nonlinear effects are investigated by examining the distributions of the metal reduction and hydrogen evolution currents, coulombic efficiency of the metal electrowinning reaction, and gas void fractions under a series of limiting conditions. The gas bubbles accentuate the nonuniform distribution of the potential and …

Stepwise Pumping Approach To Improve Free Phase Light Hydrocarbon Recovery From Unconfined Aquifers, Grant Cooper, Richard C. Peralta, Jagath J. Kaluarachchi

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A stepwise, time-varying pumping approach is developed to improve free phase oil recovery of light non-aqueous phase liquids {LNAPL) from a homogeneous, unconfined aquifer. Stepwise pumping is used to contain the floating oil plume and obtain efficient free oil recovery. The pumping approach is developed using detailed simulations, multiple linear regression and graphical plots. The approach uses ARMOS©, an areal two-dimensional multiphase flow, finite-element simulation model. Systematic simulations of f~ oil area changes to pumping rates are analyzed. Pumping rates are determined that achieve LNAPL plume containment at different times (i.e. 90, 180 and 360 days) for a planning period …

A Nonlinear Dynamic Method For Supporting Large-Scale Decision-Making In Uncertain Environments, Wayne Woodhams

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research developed a methodology for supporting decision making by reducing uncertainty in decision environments which are too large, dynamic and complex to be treated by traditional quantitative and simulation techniques. These environments are complex because of the free choice associated with human involvement, and the existence of a large number of interrelated factors which influence the outcomes of the decision process. They are dynamic because the ground rules affecting those interrelationships are constantly changing. Uncertainty cannot be treated probabilistically, since identification of a full set of outcomes and factors of influence is not possible.

The venue for the investigation …

A Comparative Study Of The Perceived Educational Needs Of Iowa Merged Area Vii Manufacturers And Iowa Technical Educators, David D. Bradney

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This research was a descriptive pilot study that compared the perceptions of Iowa Merged Area VII manufacturers and Iowa technical educators regarding technical curricula, occupational skill certification, and drafting practices as these relate to Associate Degree programs in Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology. The problem was to determine what should be taught in two year technical curricula in Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology. The purpose of the study was to compare the perceived educational needs of Iowa Merged Area VII manufacturers and Iowa technical educators regarding the content of Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology curricula. The populations used for this …

Evolution Of Emergent Computation, James P. Crutchfield, Melanie Mitchell

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

A simple evolutionary process can discover sophisticated methods for emergent information processing in decentralized spatially-extended systems. The mechanisms underlying the resulting emergent computation are explicated by a novel technique for analyzing particle-based logic embedded in pattern-forming systems. Understanding how globally-coordinated computation can emerge in evolution is relevant both for the scientific understanding of natural information processing and for engineering new forms of parallel computing systems.

Optimizing Object Invocation Using Optimistic Incremental Specialization, Jon Inouye, Andrew P. Black, Charles Consel, Calton Pu, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

To make object invocation efficient, it is important to minimize overhead. In general, overhead is incurred in order to maintain transparency; with the advent of mobile computer systems, persistence, increasing security and privacy concerns, transparency becomes more expensive and overhead is increasing. Invocation mechanisms maintain transparency by finding objects, choosing communication media, performing data translation into common formats (e.g., XDR), marshalling arguments, encrypting confidential data, etc. Performing all of these operations on every invocation would lead to unacceptable performance, so designers often avoid operations by specializing object invocation for more restricted environments. For example, the Emerald compiler performs several optimizations …

A Cultural Anthropological Overview Of The Niobara/Missouri National Scenic Riverways, Beth R. Ritter, Robert K. Hitchcock, Michelle L. Watson, Michele Voeltz, Thomas D. Thiessen, Oliver Froehling, Rebecca Hautzinger, Judith Campbell Miller, Michele Moray, Leonard R. Bruguier, Gloria Rial

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

This document is a cultural anthropological overview and assessment of the Niobrara/Missouri National Scenic Riverways (NIMI). It represents the first formal planning step taken by the National Park service (NPS) to identify the different ethnic and religious groups of people that have historical and/or contemporary ties to the NIMI region. It primarily focuses on American Indian groups that used the NIMI region for various purposes in past historical times. The discussion of American Indian peoples emphasizes the three Federally-recognized tribes that reside in the NIMI region today, the Poncas, Santee Sioux, and Yankton sioux. Other groups that used the NIMI …

Methsnotrophic Biodegradation Of Trichloroethylene In A Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactor, Carol E. Aziz, Mark W. Fitch, Larry K. Linquist, Jonathan G. Pressman, George Georgiou, Gerald E. Speitel

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Biodegradation of Trichloroethlyene (TCE) in a Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactor Was Investigated using a Mutant of the Methanotrophic Bacteria, Methylosinus Trichosporium 0B3b. Contaminated Water Flowed through the Lumen (I.e., Fiber Interior), and the Bacteria Circulated through the Shell Side of the Membrane Module and an External Growth Reactor. in Mass Transfer Studies with a Radial Cross-Flow Membrane Module, 78.3-99.9% of the TCE Was Removed from the Lumen at Hydraulic Residence Times of 3-15 Min in the Lumen and the Shell. in Biodegradation Experiments, 80-95% of the TCE Was Removed from the Lumen at Hydraulic Residence Times of 5-9 Min in …

Remote Detection Of Acoustic Boundaries Using Radiation Imaging Operators, Richard E. Dubroff, Md. Ishfaqur Raza, Thomas J. Herrick

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we present an acoustic imaging operator. This operator is based upon combining the material boundary conditions at an acoustic boundary and the radiation boundary conditions associated with one way wave propagation. Numerical examples, using the second-order imaging operator, are presented in order to demonstrate the applicability of this method to the detection of two-dimensional boundaries.

The Performance Of Reed-Solomon Codes On A Bursty-Noise Channel, William J. Ebel, William H. Tranter

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The performance of a Reed-Solomon coded binary communication system on a bursty-noise channel is considered. Bursty noise is defined to be background Gaussian noise plus burst noise, where burst noise is defined to be a series of finite-duration Gaussian-noise pulses with fixed duration and Poisson occurrence times. Using the noise model, along with ideal symbol interleaving, decoded bit-error probability bounds are derived for the case where the noise bursts are long with respect to the channel symbol rate. Specific performance results are presented for the (31,15,8) Reed-Solomon Joint Tactical Distribution System (JTIDS) code with a Binary Phase Shift Keyed (BPSK) …

Use Of Time Domain Reflectometry For Determination Of Water Content An Density Of Soil, Shafiqul I. Siddiqui, Vincent P. Drnevich

JTRP Technical Reports

A new method is developed for measuring in-place density and moisture content of soil using the technique of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR). The method is applicable for construction control of earthworks. The method is extended for measuring moisture content of soil in the laboratory and in the field for various other geotechnical purposes. Laboratory uses include measuring moisture content of soil in compaction molds; field uses include measuring moisture content of soil in Shelby tubes and soil retrieved during drilling and sampling operations. In the course of achieving these goals, this study develops the principles of TDR probe design, test …