Digital Commons Network^™

Design And Performance Evaluation Of A Gas Chromatograph Micromachined In A Single Crystal Silicon Substrate, Rocky R. Reston

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation designed and developed a miniature gas chromatograph (GC) using silicon micromachining techniques. The GC is composed of a miniature sample injector (10 µl sample loop); a 0.9 m long, rectangular-shaped (300 µm width and 10 micrometers height) capillary column coated with a 0.2 µm thick copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) stationary phase; and a dual-detector scheme incorporating a CuPc-coated chemiresistor and a 125 µm diameter thermal conductivity detector bead. Micromachining was employed to fabricate the sample injector interface, the GC column, and the dual-detector cavity. A novel processing technique was developed to sublime the CuPc stationary phase coating on the …

A Fault-Tolerant Optimal Interpolative Net, Daniel J. Simon, Hossny El-Sherief

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The optimal interpolative (OI) classification network is extended to include fault tolerance and make the network more robust to the loss of a neuron. The OI Net has the characteristic that the training data are fit with no more neurons than necessary. Fault tolerance further reduces the number of neurons generated during the learning procedure while maintaining the generalization capabilities of the network. The learning algorithm for the fault tolerant OI Net is presented in a recursive format, allowing for relatively short training times. A simulated fault tolerant OI Net is tested on a navigation satellite selective problem.

Formal Recognition Of Museum Committee 1993, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Recognition of Museum

Tissue Characterization And Imaging Using Photon Density Waves, Lars O. Svaasand, Bruce J. Tromberg, Richard C. Haskell, Tsong-Tseh Tsay, Michael W. Berns

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

The optical properties of brain tissues have been evaluated by measuring the phase velocity and attenuation of harmonically modulated light. The phase velocity for photon density waves at 650-nm wavelength has been found to be in the range of 5 to 12% of the corresponding velocity in a nonscattering medium, and the optical penetration depth was in the range 2.9 to 5.2 mm. These results are used to predict the resolution of optical imaging of deep tissue structures by diffusely propagating incoherent photons. The results indicate that structures of a few millimeters in linear dimension can be identified at 10 …

Critical Shear Stress And Critical Flow Rates For Initiation Of Rilling, John E. Gilley, W. J. Elliot, J. M. Laflen, J. R. Simanton

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This study was conducted to identify critical shear stress and critical flow rates required to initiate rilling on selected sites. The data used in this investigation were collected from soils located throughout the USA where crop residues had been removed, and moldboard plowing and disking had occurred. Runoff and soil loss measurements were made on sites where simulated rainfall was applied to preformed rills. Multiple regression analyses were used to relate critical shear stress values and critical flow rates to selected soil properties. The soil-based regression equations were found to provide reliable estimates. Information identified in this study will improve …

Optimal Control And Estimation For Discrete-Time Periodic And Multirate Systems, Vikram Kapila

Theses and Dissertations

For linear time-invariant systems it has been shown that the solutions to the optimal reduced-order modeling, estimation, and control problems can be characterized using optimal projection equations, sets of Riccati and Lyapunov equations coupled by terms containing a projection matrix. These equations provide a strong theoretical connection between standard full-order results such as linear-quadratic Gaussian theory and have also proved useful in the comparison of suboptimal reduction methods with optimal reduced-order methods. In addition, the optimal projection equations have been used as the basis for novel homotopy algorithms for reduced-order design. This thesis considers linear periodic plants and develops necessary …

Investigation Of Reactor Design Parameters Towards Optimizing Biodegradation Of Chlorophenols By Phanerochaete Chrysosporium, Nirupam Pal

Dissertations

The biodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (246-TCP) and 2,4,5-trichiorophenol (245-TCP) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium was studied in batch and in continuous systems. Contrary to most of the previous reports from the literature, this study shows that degradation of both TCPs can occur in the absence of any measurable ligninase activity. The microorganism did not retain its degradative ability for more than about two weeks

In order to better understand the degradation process, the individual contributions of both the biomass and the extracellular proteins were studied separately. The results show that neither the biomass nor the extracellular proteins alone can completely degrade 246-TCP, but …

A Sign-To-Speech Translation System, Koka Veera Raghava Rao

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis describes sign-to-speech translation using neural networks. Sign language translation is an interesting but difficult problem for which neural network techniques seem promising because of their ability to adjust to the user's hand movements, which is not possible to do by most other techniques. However, even using neural networks and artificial sign languages, the translation is hard, and the best-known system, that of Fels & Hinton (1993), is capable of translating only 66 root words and 203 words including their conjugations. This research improves their results to 790 root signs and 2718 words including their conjugations while preserving a …

The Permeability Of Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete With Petroleum Contaminated Soils, Kuen-Yuan Chuang

Theses

It is estimated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) that there are 2 to 3.5 million underground storage tanks (USTs) throughout the nation and about 25% of these tanks are leaking. The leakage of petroleum or other organic material presents serious environmental problem due to the uncontrolled release of petroleum products to ground water. Many new techniques have developed to reuse these petroleum contaminated soils generated from sites containing leaking USTs. One such soil reuse method available since 1985 is the use of petroleum contaminated soils in the production of hot mix asphalt.

The stability, durability, and hydraulic …

A Review Of Energy Storing Prosthetic Feet And Computer Aided Structural Optimization Of A Below-Knee Prosthesis, Poonam Gope Lalwani

Theses

Because people with physical disabilities have shown an interest in participation in sports, a new class of prosthetic feet known as "energy storing prosthetic feet" has been developed. These new developments in prosthetic foot design utilize energy storage and return to improve ambulation. This thesis reviews the design, materials, advantages and disadvantages of various energy storing prosthetic feet. Research studies, comparing gait in below-knee amputees using different prosthetic designs, can be applied to the design of prosthetic feet that are lighter, stronger and more reliable. Comparisions among these feet are reviewed in the context of functional capability and patient satisfaction. …

The Thermal Model Of The Rat Under Hemorrhagic Shock Hypothermia With Microwave Intervention, Liu Zhe

Theses

A whole body thermal model simulating heat distribution and temperature regulation in rats during hemorrhagic shock and during post-shock microwave core rewarming period was developed. An electrical circuit was used to simulate the thermal system and a software named PSpice? was used to analyze the circuit. The temperature regulation as the result of the simulation is demonstrated to match the measured temperature histories of rats in hemorrhagic shock and the microwave rewarming experiment.

The blood pressure drop and cardiac output decrease were considered in the simulation and the so called "set point temperature" was investigated in the model. Linear decrease …

Development Of A Model For An Objective Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference Characterization Of An Infrared Camera, Christine Issa Mourad

Theses

The parameter almost universally adopted by the infrared community for describing the overall performance of a thermal imaging camera is the minimum resolvable temperature difference. Unfortunately, this criterion is subjectively determined by a group of observers and as a consequence significantly varying results can be obtained at different times. This project describes work on an approach which ultimately aims to replace the observers by a computer-aided installation that simulates the human process by which the MRTD is estimated. The simulation is based on a direct measurement of signal to noise ratio in the image of the target and a determination …

The Research, Design And Production Of Cortical Bone Pins And Screws For The Fixation Of Broken Bones In The Hand And Wrist, Ronald P. Holland

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Investigators at the University of Missouri at Rolla have entered into a joint venture with surgeons at Saint Louis University Hospital to develop a superior method of fixing broken bones of the human hand and wrist. This method involves the production of pins and screws from human cortical bone which will be used to fix broken bones for healing. The cortical bone fasteners will provide many advantages to the currently used metal fasteners. To date, prototype fasteners have been developed and are pending mechanical testing as a result of this undergraduate research project. Results of this project potentially include a …

Dynamics Of Ultrashort Pulse Generation And Amplification In Dye Lasers, Shuanghua Jiang

Dissertations and Theses

The dynamics of ultrashort pulse generation and amplification in dye lasers is studied in this dissertation. In particular, we have developed general semiclassical models for ultrashort pulse dye laser amplifiers and oscillators. These models start from Maxwell's equation for the electric field and density matrix equations for the active laser medium. A finite coherence time or phase memory time of the molecular wave functions, a finite vibrational relaxation time for the lower electronic state of the dye laser transition, an isotropic molecular orientational distribution, and an arbitrary pump polarization are all taken into account. Based on these models, specific topics …

Preliminary Outline For Preservation Of Tractor Test Building, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Outline of preliminary plan for the Preservation of the Tractor Test Building and early test equipment as monument to early days of the modern power farming industry.

Minutes Of Ag Tractor Test And Power Museum January 12th, 1993, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

No abstract provided.

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 9, Number 1, January 1993, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

A ten page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

The Honor Society Of Agriculture, Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter History, Diamond Jubilee 1918-1993, Charles H. Adams

Gamma Sigma Delta, Nebraska Chapter: Bylaws and Other Documents

GAMMA SIGMA DELTA is a faculty governed society that selects its members from junior and senior students, graduate students, faculty, and alumni for the promotion and recognition of high achievement. While Gamma Sigma Delta is an honor society of agriculture, it may elect members from related fields such as biology, botany, chemistry, economics, entomology, forestry, home economics, plant pathology, sociology, statistics, veterinary medicine, or zoology when the work of the individuals is related to agriculture. Officers, committee chairpersons, and others leading the chapter are faculty or alumni.

EARLY INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

GAMMA SIGMA DELTA INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS FROM THE NEBRASKA CHAPTER

THE …

Graduate Catalog Center For Computer And Information Sciences, Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing Course Catalogs

No abstract provided.

Heating Of Calcium Phosphate Crystals: Morphological Consequences And Biological Implications, W. Bohne, J. A. Pouezat, L. Peru, G. Daculsi

Cells and Materials

Sintering hydroxyapatite (HA) and ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) affects the chemical composition, the crystallinity, and the morphological features as demonstrated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) , infrared spectroscopy (IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When heated to 1230°C, 16.7% of HA had decomposed to ß-TCP. SEM investigations showed homogeneous, sharp angular polyhedric blocks of 30 to 50 µm with rare surface pores. On heating at 1230°C, ß-TCP had entirely transformed to a-TCP. During sintering, the size of the powder grains increased and progressive bridging between the grains was observed. At 1230°C, a network within round-shaped polyhedric blocks of 50 to …

Bone Growth On Sol-Gel Calcium Phosphate Thin Films In Vitro, Q. Qiu, P. Vincent, B. Lowenberg, M. Sayer, J. E. Davies

Cells and Materials

Thin, sub-micron, films of calcium phosphate were fabricated on either glass or quartz supports by a colloidal suspension sol-gel method. These films, which varied in both surface chemistry and topography were then employed as culture substrata for osteogenic rat bone marrow cells. During an 18 day culture period, the cells elaborated a morphologically distinguishable bone matrix on all substrata which was similar to that reported earlier on tissue culture polystyrene. Selected samples of the culture substrata were fractured, critical point dried, and observed by scanning electron microscopy. Particular attention was paid to the morphologies of the interface between the so1-gellayer …

Mineralized Matrix Synthesis By Isolated Mouse Odontoblast-Like Cells In Vitro, P. B. Andrews, A. R. Ten Cate, J. E. Davies

Cells and Materials

First mandibular molar tooth germs were dissected from 17 day mouse embryos. The dental papilla was isolated using both mechanical separation and enzymatic digestion. The cells of the papilla were then enzymatically disaggregated and cultured in 35 mm polystyrene dishes containing alpha minimum essential medium supplemented with 15 % fetal calf serum, 50 μglml ascorbic acid, 1 o-8 M dexamethasone and 10 mM Na-13-glycerophosphate. The cultures were maintained for 23 days. The cultured cells initially appeared as large flat cells having numerous cell processes. Multilayered cell nodules, distributed randomly in the cultures, were apparent after 5 days. Matrix was visible …

Ultrastructural, Cytochemical, And Immunocytochemical Studies On Bone And Its Interfaces, M. D. Mckee, A. Nanci

Cells and Materials

Bone cells possess the ability to synthesize, secrete and direct the assembly and maintenance of extracellular matrix to form a functionally rigid and/or weight-bearing mineralized tissue complex, the skeleton. The skeleton not only supports and protects the organs and tissues of the body, but also acts as a mineral ion reservoir for maintaining systemic calcium balance (calcium homeostasis). The remarkable biological precision necessary for the formation, turnover and constant adaptation of bone to external mechanical forces is a dynamic process requiring a coordinated cellular effort relying on a variety of cell-cell and cell-matrix/mineral interactions. Indeed, cell-matrix interfaces found in a …

Multinucleated Giant Cells-Hydroxyapatite Interactions: A Time-Related Quantitative Study In A Rat Skull Defect, J. M. Dersot, A. Llorens, J. L. Saffar

Cells and Materials

The implantation of calcium phosphate ceramics in the bone environment elicits the differentiation of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs). MNGC interactions with both crushed and standard hydroxyapatite (HA, Bioapatite ®) particles (cHA and sHA) were studied in rat skull defects. Light microscopy (LM) of undemineralized material after 21 and 42 days of implantation showed that the number of particles in the defect significantly decreased (about SO%) with the two HA forms. Concomitantly, average cHA particle size increased significantly due to the elimination of the smallest particles by the MNGCs. The number of MNGCs per mm2 of defect decreased significantly between 21 …

Evaluation Of Drug Delivery Systems By Electron Microscopy Techniques, Y. V. Pathak, V. D. Labhashetwar

Cells and Materials

This review covers the applications of electron microscopic techniques to the characterization and evaluation of drug delivery systems. Various electron microscopic (EM) related techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and freeze-fracture electron microscopy are extensively used for this purpose. Microcapsules, microspheres, nanocapsules, liposomes , polymeric carriers and other drug delivery systems are characterized using EM related techniques for their surface topography, size and shape analysis, biodegradation, in vitro - in vivo evaluation and drug excipient interactions and characterization. Electron microscopy methods are very useful in understanding the mechanism of drug …

A Comparative Study Of The Interactions Of Two Calcium Phosphates, Peo/Pbt Copolymer (Polyactive) And A Silicone Rubber With Bone And Fibrous Tissue, C. A. Van Blitterswijk, J. R. De Wijn, H. Leenders, J. V.D. Brink, S. C. Hesseling, D. Bakker

Cells and Materials

In this study, hydroxyapatite, tetracalcium phosphate, HPEO/PBT 55145 copolymer, PEO/PBT 55!45 copolymer (Polyactive) and silicone rubber were implanted as dense blocks, subcutaneously and. into the tibia of rats. Biocompatibility and degradation were investigated but most attention was directed to .the bone/biomaterial interactions. None of the materials showed any significant adverse tissue reactions. With exception of the silicone rubber, all materials sho~ed bone bonding phenomena based on both morphological and mechanical evaluations. (H)PEO/PBT 55145 copolymer is the first polymer reported to be bonded by bone and thus widens the spectrum of bone bonding materials with a low modulus, degradable, elastomer in …

Immunohistochemical Investigation Of Tracks Left By The Migration Of Fibroblasts On Titanium Surfaces, Y. Abiko, D. M. Brunette

Cells and Materials

Fibronectin, a major attachment protein, has been thought to be involved in pathway guidance, a process in which cells migrate along specific pathways within a tissue during development. Fibroblasts exhibit the phenomenon of contact guidance, the tendency of cells to be guided in their direction of migration by the shape of the substratum. The purpose of our study was to test the hypothesis that fibronectin tracks are deposited by fibroblasts moving on smooth and grooved titanium surfaces.

The study was carried out on human gingival fibroblasts which were plated onto both smooth and grooved titanium substrata using medium containing either …

Experimental Induction Of Odontoblast Differentiation And Stimulation During Preparative Processes, H. Lesot, C. Begue-Kirn, M. D. Kubler, J. M. Meyer, A. J. Smith, N. Cassidy, J. V. Ruch

Cells and Materials

In vivo implantation experiments have shown that ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid(EDTA)-soluble frac tions of dentin stimulate reparative dentinogenesis . When isolated embryonic dental papillae were cultured in the presence of these dentin constituents, odontoblast cytological and functional differentiation could be initiated and maintained in the absence of an enamel organ. These effects were attributed to the presence of TGF-/1- related molecules [TGF-/11 or bone morphogenetic protein -2a (BMP-2a)] which had to be used in combination with an EDT A-soluble fraction of dentin in order to specifically affect competent preodontoblasts . These EDT A-soluble constituents present in dentin could be replaced by heparin or …

Lysine Effect On Ruthenium Red And Alcian Blue Preservation And Staining Of The Staphylococcal Glycocalyx, Theresa A. Fassel, James R. Sanger, Charles E. Edmiston

Cells and Materials

The effect of lysine on ruthenium red (RR) and alcian blue (AB) preservation arid/or staining for transmission electron microscopy of glycocalyces was evaluated for three species of the gram-positive, coagulase-negative staphylococci. A RR and an AB procedure were compared with and without lysine included in the glutaraldehyde prefixation. Minimal or no glycocalyx was preserved or stained by glutaraldehyde fixation only. For all species, the inclusion of lysine increased visualization of fibrous material. RR treatment without lysine, results in sparse or limited fibrous material or artifactual condensations which contrasts with enhanced fibrous material seen when lysine is included with RR. The …

Are Long Term Cryopreservation And Patency Of Vein Allograft Truly Achievable?, G. Pasquinelli, G. L. Faggioli, P. Preda, M. Vici, G. N. Martinelli, R. Giardino, M. D'Addato, J. J. Ricotta

Cells and Materials

Despite extensive experimental work, neither the effect of long term cryopreservation on vein graft architecture nor the failure of alloveins due to graft rejection have yet been investigated. Herein, we investigated ultrastructurally: a) the integrity of rabbit jugular veins following 1, 2 and 3 months of cryopreservation; b) the outcome of the three-month cryopreserved vein auto- and allografts after 1 month of implantation in the rabbit carotid artery; and c) the immunologic response to cryopreserved vein allografts with and without seeded autologous endothelium. Prior to implantation, the cryopreserved rabbit veins were well-maintained except for endothelial cell damage. Following implantation, the …