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An Analysis Of The Computer And Network Attack Taxonomy, Richard C. Daigle Mar 2001

An Analysis Of The Computer And Network Attack Taxonomy, Richard C. Daigle

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force's dependence on the Internet continues to increase daily. However, this increased dependence comes with risks. The popularity and potential of the Internet attracts users with illegal as well as legal intentions. Since the Air Force considers the Internet an integral component of its information Operations strategy, the Air Force must be confident that it can trust the security of this component. Therefore, reliable methods and information that helps the Air Force classify the risks associated with the Internet can help the Air Force determine the best processes to assure the security of its use of this resource. …

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United States Air Force Graduate Degrees From 1990 To 2000: A Comparison, Jonathan G. Downing Mar 2001

United States Air Force Graduate Degrees From 1990 To 2000: A Comparison, Jonathan G. Downing

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout its history, the United States Air Force has been concerned with technical graduate education. In 1947, the Ridenour Report stated the importance and need of Air Force officers with technical graduate degrees. This emphasis has served the Air Force well, but there is concern among senior Air Force leaders that there has been an erosion of these technical skills and graduate education. This research will examine the issues surrounding technical graduate education in the Air Force and will address the possible loss of such technical education. The results of this research provide specific statistical data and analysis on the …

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Modeling Biodegradation Of Chlorinated Groundwater Contaminants Under Iron-Reducing Conditions Of A Constructed Wetland: A System Dynamics Approach, Max E. Johnson Mar 2001

Modeling Biodegradation Of Chlorinated Groundwater Contaminants Under Iron-Reducing Conditions Of A Constructed Wetland: A System Dynamics Approach, Max E. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine and explore the fundamental processes associated with biodegradation of chlorinated ethenes in iron-reducing conditions of a constructed wetland and to evaluate the impacts of changing conditions (both natural and engineer-controlled) on the system. The modeler uses a system dynamics approach to construct a model that represents behavior in the iron-reducing environment. The model incorporates hematite, a form of oxidized iron (Fe3+), as the electron acceptor in microbial biodegradation in the system. Vinyl chloride, cis-dichloroethene, and trans-dichloroethene are known to anaerobically degrade to carbon dioxide in the presence of oxidized iron. …

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Dissolution Of Chromium From Inhalable Primer Paint Particles Into A Simulated Lung Fluid, David A. Kauth Mar 2001

Dissolution Of Chromium From Inhalable Primer Paint Particles Into A Simulated Lung Fluid, David A. Kauth

Theses and Dissertations

The use of chromate as a corrosion inhibitor in primer paint is an essential component for the protection of aluminum-skinned aircraft and the primary source of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) exposure to USAF aircraft painters. The objective of this research was to quantify the dissolution of chromate from freshly sprayed paint particles into a simulated lung fluid (SLF). Two primer paints were sprayed with a paint spray gun to generate overspray particles for collection into impingers filled with SLF. Particles were allowed to soak in SLF for 24 and 48 hours and then the particles were removed by centrifugation. The …

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Simulating Wet Deposition Of Radiocesium From The Chernobyl Accident, Aaron M. Kinser Mar 2001

Simulating Wet Deposition Of Radiocesium From The Chernobyl Accident, Aaron M. Kinser

Theses and Dissertations

In response to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident of 1986, a cesium-137 deposition dataset was assembled. Most of the airborne Chernobyl cesium was wet deposited, either via interception by falling raindrops or via absorption into cloud droplets destined to become raindrops. The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian rated Transport (HYSPLIT) model, developed at Air Resources Laboratory, is used to simulate the transport and deposition of Chernobyl cesium-137. A cloud base parameterization modification is tested and appears to slightly improve the accuracy of one HYSPLIT simulation of daily Chernobyl cesium-137 deposition over the course of the accident at isolated European sites, and …

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Air Vehicle Optimal Trajectories For Radar Exposure Minimization, Michael C. Novy Mar 2001

Air Vehicle Optimal Trajectories For Radar Exposure Minimization, Michael C. Novy

Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the problem of analyzing the single vehicle path planning problem for radar exposure minimization. The calculus of Variations and optimal control are applied to formulate the cost function and numerical algorithms are used to solve for the optimal paths. Cost sensitivity to path length is analyzed for flight against one radar; a second radar is then included in the formulation and the optimal path for flight between the radars is found for cases of equal and unequal radar power. The costs of the optimal path, direct path, and Voronoi diagram-generated paths are compared. Results indicate low sensitivity …

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Information Security: Securing Smart Cards With Iris Recognition, Orval E. Phelps Mar 2001

Information Security: Securing Smart Cards With Iris Recognition, Orval E. Phelps

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the application of iris recognition technology to the problem of keeping smart cards secure. In order to understand the technology, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. The biological components of the iris were examined to ensure that they were truly random in development and static through the lifetime of the individual. Specifically, the physical structure of what comprises the iris was examined in detail. The data gathered indicates that the iris is formed early in development, random in structure, and stable throughout the person's lifetime. Next, the iris recognition process and resulting recognition code was examined to …

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Estimating C-17 Operating And Support Costs: Development Of A System Dynamics Model, Christopher D. Purvis Mar 2001

Estimating C-17 Operating And Support Costs: Development Of A System Dynamics Model, Christopher D. Purvis

Theses and Dissertations

This research provides justification for experimenting with system dynamics (SD) for performing Operation and Support Cost estimates. For the C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, these costs could exceed $64 billion dollars. Also, many of our weapon systems are beginning to reach the end of their effective life span, and discussions about the impact of aging, on aircraft, has become a hot topic in the literature. System Dynamics is a modeling methodology developed in 1958, but never used extensively for cost estimating. SD offers unique capabilities to the cost estimator, including the ability to model causal relationships. This capability offers the …

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Factors Affecting Exchange Relationships Among Subordinates And Supervisors: A Study Of Military Officers, Laurie K. Richter Mar 2001

Factors Affecting Exchange Relationships Among Subordinates And Supervisors: A Study Of Military Officers, Laurie K. Richter

Theses and Dissertations

This research examined the effect of organizational structure on the relationships between subordinates and their supervisors using measures of leader-member exchange (LMX), mentoring effectiveness, perceived organizational support (POS), perceived opportunities for promotion, job satisfaction, affective commitment, and intent to remain. The sample obtained included 147 subordinate Air Force traditional Civil Engineer officers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers, Bioenvironmental Engineer officers, and 27 squadron commanders at 19 Air Force bases. The methods of multiple analysis of variance and structural equation modeling were used to evaluate five research questions and nineteen hypotheses. Overall, no differences were found between the types of subordinate …

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Traveling Salesman Problem For Surveillance Mission Using Particle Swarm Optimization, Barry R. Secrest Mar 2001

Traveling Salesman Problem For Surveillance Mission Using Particle Swarm Optimization, Barry R. Secrest

Theses and Dissertations

The surveillance mission requires aircraft to fly from a starting point through defended terrain to targets and return to a safe destination (usually the starting point). The process of selecting such a flight path is known as the Mission Route Planning (MRP) Problem and is a three-dimensional, multi-criteria (fuel expenditure, time required, risk taken, priority targeting, goals met, etc.) path search. Planning aircraft routes involves an elaborate search through numerous possibilities, which can severely task the resources of the system being used to compute the routes. Operational systems can take up to a day to arrive at a solution due …

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Effects On The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker From Various Spatial And Temporal Applications Of Management Practices, Chad F. Schroeder Mar 2001

Effects On The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker From Various Spatial And Temporal Applications Of Management Practices, Chad F. Schroeder

Theses and Dissertations

The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) is an endangered species endemic to southeastern pine forests in the United States. RCWs are cooperative breeding birds that live together in clusters of old-growth pine trees in which they construct their nesting cavities. The cavities are constructed in living pines, which are predominantly longleaf pines. RCWs also forage upon older pines, preferably longleaf pine. The Endangered Species Act, along with other DoD regulations, requires DoD installations to protect the RCWs and restore their habitat. A popular management practice converts off-site (non-native) pines back to a region's indigenous pines. Conversion provides the best long term RCW …

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A Model For Palladium Catalyzed Destruction Of Chlorinated Ethenes In Contaminated Groundwater, Christopher M. Stoppel Mar 2001

A Model For Palladium Catalyzed Destruction Of Chlorinated Ethenes In Contaminated Groundwater, Christopher M. Stoppel

Theses and Dissertations

Groundwater contamination by chlorinated ethenes is a widespread environmental problem. Conventional remediation technologies have shortcomings that have prompted further research into the development of novel treatment technologies. A palladium/ alumina catalyst in the presence of dissolved molecular hydrogen (referred to hereafter as a PD/H2 system) has been demonstrated to rapidly destroy chlorinated ethene contaminated groundwater. First-order kinetics have been used to model chlorinated ethene destruction in a PD/H2 reactor. However, catalyst deactivation and regeneration are important processes that also need to be modeled in order to better understand their effect on treatment efficiency. This study presents a model …

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Decision Analysis Methodology To Evaluate Integrated Solid Waste Management Alternatives For A Remote Alaskan Air Station, Mark J. Shoviak Mar 2001

Decision Analysis Methodology To Evaluate Integrated Solid Waste Management Alternatives For A Remote Alaskan Air Station, Mark J. Shoviak

Theses and Dissertations

Eareckson Air Station (AS), a remote U.S. Air Force installation, faces the complex decision of selecting a new municipal solid waste (MSW) management strategy to replace its current non-compliant system. This research effort applies value-focused thinking and multiattribute preference theory to decision analysis techniques to produce a multiple-objective decision analysis model that captures all of the site's MSW goals, objectives, and concerns in order to facilitate the evaluation of MSW management strategies available. The model ranks 40 specific MSW management alternatives, which were developed in accordance with the decision-maker's assumptions and constraints, based on how well they meet Eareckson's overall …

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Development Of Predictors For Cloud-To-Ground Lightning Activity Using Atmospheric Stability Indices, Kenneth C. Venzke Mar 2001

Development Of Predictors For Cloud-To-Ground Lightning Activity Using Atmospheric Stability Indices, Kenneth C. Venzke

Theses and Dissertations

A detailed examination was performed on several commonly applied atmospheric stability indices and lightning activity from 1993 to 2000 to determine the indices usefulness as predictive tools for determining cloud-to-ground lightning activity. Predetermined radii of 50 nautical miles around upper-air stations in the Midwest U.S. were used for the lightning summaries. Also explored is an improvement upon the commonly accepted thresholds of the stability indices as general thunderstorm indicators. An improvement was found and new threshold ranges were developed for relating stability index values to lightning occurrence. Traditional statistical regression methods failed to find a significant predictive relationship. By examining …

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Analysis And Evaluation Of The Macroscopic Organizational Structure Of Red Horse, Lance D. Clark Mar 2001

Analysis And Evaluation Of The Macroscopic Organizational Structure Of Red Horse, Lance D. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

The primary contingency engineering capability within the United States Air Force is provided by Rapid Engineer Deployable, Heavy Operations Readiness Squadron, Engineer (RED HORSE). This thesis examines the macroscopic organizational structure of RED HORSE; that is, the manner in which RED HORSE resources (personnel and equipment) are organized collectively, above the unit (squadron or flight) level. It builds on the findings of the Air Combat Command - sponsored RED HORSE 2010 Strategic Study, and focuses on issues of geographic location and chain of command above the unit level, as the study found these two topics were found to be vital …

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An Analysis Of Civil Engineer Officer Contingency Training, Rusty J. Vaira Mar 2001

An Analysis Of Civil Engineer Officer Contingency Training, Rusty J. Vaira

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this research was to investigate the current overall civil engineer officer contingency training program and determine if civil engineer officers think it is adequately preparing them to perform in a contingency environment. In accomplishing this objective, this research explored the perceptions that officers have about the contingency training that is available through three primary training programs (Home Station Training, Silver Flag training, and Civil Engineer and Services School training). The overall intent of the author was to gauge how the officers feel about their contingency training and offer some suggestions on how to improve the training. …

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Malicious Hackers: A Framework For Analysis And Case Study, Laura J. Kleen Mar 2001

Malicious Hackers: A Framework For Analysis And Case Study, Laura J. Kleen

Theses and Dissertations

Recent years have seen an increase in the number and severity of Information Operations (IO) attacks upon DoD resources. At a higher level, the US as a whole has come under cyber attack by individuals and groups seeking thrills, monetary gain, publicity for their causes, and myriad other goals. This effort develops a first cut model of individual hacker mentality that can be utilized to improve threat assessment, mitigate Information Assurance (IA) vulnerabilities, and improve risk assessment. Further, it is a first step toward automated characterization of Information Warfare (IW) attacks based upon hacker types. All hackers are not the …

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Solving The Protein Structure Prediction Problem With Fast Messy Genetic Algorithms (Scaling The Fast Messy Genetic Algorithm To Medium-Sized Peptides By Detecting Secondary Structures), Steven R. Michaud Mar 2001

Solving The Protein Structure Prediction Problem With Fast Messy Genetic Algorithms (Scaling The Fast Messy Genetic Algorithm To Medium-Sized Peptides By Detecting Secondary Structures), Steven R. Michaud

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to accurately predict a polypeptide's molecular structure given its amino acid sequence is important to numerous scientific, medical, and engineering applications. Studies have been conducted in the application of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to this problem with promising initial results. In this thesis report, we use the fast messy Genetic Algorithm (fmGA) to attempt to find the minimization of an empirical CHARMM energy model and generation of the associated conformation. Previous work has shown that the fmGA provided favorable results, at least when applied to the pentapeptide Met-Enkephalin. We extend these results to a larger Polyalinine peptide by utilizing …

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Quantitative Validation Of A Model Of Chlorinated Ethene Natural Attenuation, Harold C. Young Mar 2001

Quantitative Validation Of A Model Of Chlorinated Ethene Natural Attenuation, Harold C. Young

Theses and Dissertations

Chlorinated ethenes are among the most prevalent groundwater contaminants at hazardous waste sites nationwide. In an attempt to manage the risks posed by these contaminants, while controlling costs, monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is being considered as a remediation strategy at many sites. MNA relies on naturally occurring physical, chemical, and biological processes in the subsurface to reduce the risk posed by the contamination. The implementation of MNA, however, requires a detailed understanding of these processes, and how they impact contamination at a particular site. One way to gain this understanding is through contaminant fate and transport modeling. In this study, …

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Robust Multi-Scenario Optimization Of An Air Expeditionary Force Structure Applying Scatter Search To The Combat Forces Assessment Model, Gokay Bulut Mar 2001

Robust Multi-Scenario Optimization Of An Air Expeditionary Force Structure Applying Scatter Search To The Combat Forces Assessment Model, Gokay Bulut

Theses and Dissertations

Modern Times' bring change in all areas of life. Even the rate of change has changed, and is still changing to increase it's enormous speed even more. Newer and more challenging questions face the military analysts everyday putting a question mark at the end of their last answer. Recently, the question of how to structure a robust air force to meet the requirements of competing, uncertain future scenarios has been keeping them busy. The new world order does not tolerate only being able to respond to a single scenario anymore, which once was considered a hard problem. Who knows what …

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A Radial Basis Function Neural Network Approach To Two-Color Infrared Missile Detection, Kin-Weng Chan Mar 2001

A Radial Basis Function Neural Network Approach To Two-Color Infrared Missile Detection, Kin-Weng Chan

Theses and Dissertations

Multicolor infrared imaging missile-warning systems require real-time detection techniques that can process the wide instantaneous field of regard of focal plane array sensors with a low false alarm rate. Current technology applies classical statistical methods to this problem and ignores neural network techniques. Thus the research reported here is novel in that it investigates the use of radial basis function (RBF) neural networks to detect sub-pixel missile signatures. An RBF neural network is designed and trained to detect targets in two-color infrared imagery using a recently developed regression tree algorithm. Features are calculated for 3 by 3 pixel sub-images in …

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Optimization Of Palladium-Catalyzed In Situ Destruction Of Trichloroethylene-Contaminated Groundwater Using A Genetic Algorithm, Manuel Fernandez Mar 2001

Optimization Of Palladium-Catalyzed In Situ Destruction Of Trichloroethylene-Contaminated Groundwater Using A Genetic Algorithm, Manuel Fernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Conventional technologies for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated solvents have limitations that have motivated development of innovative technologies. One such technology currently under development involves using palladium-on-alumina (Pd/Al) as a catalyst to promote dechlorination. Pd/Al catalyst may be used in-well as part of a re-circulating horizontal flow treatment well (HFTW) system. An HFTW system involves two or more dual-screened wells, with in-well reactors, to capture and treat contaminated groundwater without the need to pump the water to the surface. In this study, objective and fitness functions, based on system costs and TCE concentration requirements, were developed to optimize …

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Aircrew Ionizing Doses From Nuclear Weapon Bursts, Fred E. Garcia Ii Mar 2001

Aircrew Ionizing Doses From Nuclear Weapon Bursts, Fred E. Garcia Ii

Theses and Dissertations

Total radioactive doses to aircrew members have been calculated in the past using different methods. The methodologies include smearing models, disk-tosser codes, and puff models. This study uses output data from the Hazard Prediction and Assessment Capability (HPAC) code as input into a FORTRAN program written by the author to calculate total dose to aircrew members through sky-shine and cabin ingestion. A description of the input parameters and new project setup in the Nuclear Weapon (NWPN) module within HPAC is given. The various aspects of controlling the project and plotting the data are also described. This information is presented essentially …

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Evaluation Of The Air Force's Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program In Complying With Executive Order 13149, Janette D. Ketchum Mar 2001

Evaluation Of The Air Force's Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program In Complying With Executive Order 13149, Janette D. Ketchum

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force must comply with Executive Order (E.O.) 13149, which includes cutting its vehicle fleet's petroleum fuel usage 20 percent by 2005. This thesis examines the Air Force's current alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) program, which is centered around the acquisition and use of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, to determine whether it has been effective, and how the AFV program should be tailored to contribute to the Air Force's efforts to comply with E.O. 13149. The results of the study discussed here suggest ways in which the Air Force's AFV program can be modified to increase the program's impact …

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Determining The Value Of Groundwater Contamination Source Removal: A Methodology, Benjamin C. Recker Mar 2001

Determining The Value Of Groundwater Contamination Source Removal: A Methodology, Benjamin C. Recker

Theses and Dissertations

Subsurface contamination by industrial chemicals is one of the most prevalent and costly environmental problems facing the United States government. This contamination problem must be managed to protect human health and the environment. Two basic strategies are used to deal with subsurface contamination: source removal and contaminant containment. While much cost and performance data are available for individual technologies associated with each of these strategies, there have been very few studies that have examined the benefits of implementing source removal technologies in order to reduce contaminant containment (and hopefully total) costs. This study examines the tradeoff between extent of source …

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Modeling Chlorinated Ethene Removal In The Methanogenic Zone Of Constructed Wetlands: A System Dynamics Approach, Randall L. Roberts Mar 2001

Modeling Chlorinated Ethene Removal In The Methanogenic Zone Of Constructed Wetlands: A System Dynamics Approach, Randall L. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to gain understanding of the dynamics of the processes that degrade Perchloroethene (PCE) to ethene, within the confines of the methanogenic zone of a constructed wetland. A system dynamics modeling approach is used. This model is focused on determining conditions that will enhance contaminant degradation. The chemical and biological processes within the methanogenic zone of a wetland system are extremely complex and dynamic processes. The model is broken up into three simultaneous processes: dechlorination, methanogenesis, and fermentation. The system behavior of the methanogenic zone can be adequately described by the classical formulations of representative …

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Exercise And Menopausal Symptoms., Tracy Anne Northrup Jan 2001

Exercise And Menopausal Symptoms., Tracy Anne Northrup

Theses and Dissertations

This project was aimed at improving our understanding of how exercise impacts the menopausal transition in order to offer women guidance and understanding in managing their own passage through menopause. Participants included 90 healthy midlife women between the ages of 45–55. They were asked to complete demographic information regarding their menstrual history and two questionnaires including the Kaufert and Syrotuik Symptom Index-Revised and the Exercise Inventory. The Symptom Index-Revised was given to each respondent twice; first for symptoms experienced since turning 40, and secondly for symptoms directly attributable to menopause. Double administration of this symptom checklist allowed for participants to …

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The Genetic Mating System And Population Structure Of The Green -Rumped Parrotlet., Rebecca Renae Melland Jan 2001

The Genetic Mating System And Population Structure Of The Green -Rumped Parrotlet., Rebecca Renae Melland

Theses and Dissertations

The population genetic structure and extra-pair paternity were investigated using microsatellite markers in a Neotropical parrot, the Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus pesserinus). Blood samples were taken from adults at 6 natural populations from the Llanos of Venezuela and 160 families from the Hato Masaguaral population. Adult samples were screened at 10 microsatellite loci. Offspring were screened at 3 loci. Parentage analysis of 827 offspring revealed an extra-pair fertilization (EPF) rate of 7.7% young (n = 64) in 14.4% of nests (n = 23). No offspring resulted from intra-specific parasitism. Identification of genetic paternity was attempted for all extra-pair young. Comparisons of …

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Localization Of Endothelial Cells And Their Precursors In The Embryonic Chick Heart During Coronary Vasculogenesis Utilizing An Mrna Specific Probe., Michelle Lynn Slover Jan 2001

Localization Of Endothelial Cells And Their Precursors In The Embryonic Chick Heart During Coronary Vasculogenesis Utilizing An Mrna Specific Probe., Michelle Lynn Slover

Theses and Dissertations

The definitive origin(s) of endothelial cell precursors involved in establishing the endothelial lining of intramural coronary vasculature within the subepicardial space of the embryonic chick heart have not been fully characterized. This vasculogenic process is suggested to derive from reciprocal tissue interactions between the myocardium, dorsal mesocardium, and continuous epicardium. These developmental processes occur in chick embryos, staged 16–25 (2 to 4.5–5 days). In the current study, presumptive endothelial precursor cells have been located amongst the surface epithelial cells of the dorsal mesocardium and villi of the proepicardial organ, both of which contribute to the epicardial epithelium. Endothelial precursor cells …

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Analysis Of A Mixed Cereal Of Legumes That Processes Similar Nutritional Characteristics To A Cereal Product Of Local Consumption And Its Economic Feasibility, Willy Ivan Anzaldo Garcia Jan 2001

Analysis Of A Mixed Cereal Of Legumes That Processes Similar Nutritional Characteristics To A Cereal Product Of Local Consumption And Its Economic Feasibility, Willy Ivan Anzaldo Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

In this analysis, we plan on developing vegetable mixes with high nutritional qualities and instant fuel consumption. These are to be used as a nutritional supplement in the feeding of children from 6 months of age. Initially, I selected the raw material, due to its high protein content and low cost (soy, tarhui, Cuban corn, rice, wheat, barley). They formed mixes with nutritional characteristics similar to the control for reference (15.5% of protein, 419 kcal of energy). From these formulas, different tests of completed production of mixtures, going so far as to obtain eight mixes with good nutritional and organoleptic …

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