Digital Commons Network^™

The Medicare Anti-Kickback Statute: In Need Of Reconstructive Surgery For The Digital Age, Michael E. Paulhus

Washington and Lee Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Resurrection Of A River: The Umatilla And Its Salmon, Christopher Ward Shelley

Dissertations and Theses

Until the 1990s, salmon had been extinct from the Umatilla River for over 70 years. The struggle to bring salmon back to this river is a compelling story that exemplifies some of the new relationships in Columbia River Basin salmon management.

The Umatilla River and the disappearance of its salmon was a local issue. Irrigation interests had used the river so thoroughly it ceased to flow during the late summer and fall months-precisely when salmon needed it for migration. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation saw decided that they would change that: they would figure out a way …

Using Frost-Damaged Soybeans In Livestock Rations, R. C. Thaler, J. E. Held, J. J. Wagner

SDSU Extension Extra Archives

Soybeans are routinely grown in the upper Midwest as a cash crop. However, late planting coupled with an early freeze can result in frost-damaged or “green beans.” Even after processing, the resulting soybean meal and soy oil are still green due to high chlorophyll concentrations. Since the consumer is reluctant to purchase green soy oil, frost-damaged soybeans (FDS) are of little use to the processing industry and often are docked at local elevators. However, when done properly, FDS can be marketed effectively through livestock. Frost-damaged soybeans, green beans, and immature soybeans are all synonymous terms and will be denoted by …

Forage Potential Of Cicer Milkvetch, Edward K. Twidwell, Kevin D. Kephart

SDSU Extension Extra Archives

Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L), a legume native from the Causcasus Mountains in Asia across southern Europe to Spain, was introduced into the United States in the 1920’s. It’s used for grazing, hay, and soil conservation in the northern and central Rocky Mountain Region of the United States and western Canada. Cicer milkvetch is gaining popularity in other regions of the United States because it is more tolerant than alfalfa to acidic or alkaline soils and does not cause bloat in grazing animals. Several South Dakota producers planted small acreages of cicer milkvetch in spring 1989. These acreages are being …

Forage Value Of Spring Oats And Triticale, Edward K. Twidwell, Nancy J. Thiex, Rober G. Hall

SDSU Extension Extra Archives

Spring oats commonly are grown in South Dakota for either grain or forage. The value of oats as forage depends on maturity when harvested and varietal characteristics. As oats matures, yield increases and quality decreases. Research indicates that tall, late-maturing varieties produce the highest forage yields. Triticale was originally developed as a grain for human and animal consumption, but it has the potential to be used as forage. Research suggests that spring triticale has forage yield and quality characteristics similar to oats and barley.

Conduct Disorders In Childhood And Adolescence, Saleh Al-Jamal

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Fabrication And Cold-Flow Testing Of Subscale Space-Based Laser Geometry, Scott E. Bergren

Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to build a facility that could simulate the expected fluid flow properties in the conceptual Space Based Laser Integrated Flight Experiment (SBL IFX) gas dynamic laser using cold-flow, and to investigate the performance of the model. A 1/5th scale model was fabricated and mated to a blow-down/vacuum wind tunnel. Using rapid data acquisition and schlieren photography the diffuser was determined to initially produce similar fluid flow to the SBL IFX, but rapidly became subsonic due to a transient normal shock wave formed when the wind tunnel was started.

Cell Modeling, Matthew L. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is currently developing new products that incorporate a variety of chemicals which may come in contact with product users. To define which chemicals are dangerous to the user, toxicity studies have been performed. However, analysis of toxicity ultimately requires models of the exposed cellular systems. This thesis provides an introduction of how to model and analyze small and large cellular systems. Understanding the underlying behavior of small models and their relation to large systems will lead to a better understanding of how the Air Force should construct intracellular models to assist in future toxicology studies. Developing analysis …

Using Relational Schemata In A Computer Immune System To Detect Multiple-Packet Network Intrusions, John L. Bebo

Theses and Dissertations

Given the increasingly prominent cyber-based threat, there are substantial research and development efforts underway in network and host-based intrusion detection using single-packet traffic analysis. However, there is a noticeable lack of research and development in the intrusion detection realm with regard to attacks that span multiple packets. This leaves a conspicuous gap in intrusion detection capability because not all attacks can be found by examining single packets alone. Some attacks may only be detected by examining multiple network packets collectively, considering how they relate to the "big picture," not how they are represented as individual packets. This research demonstrates a …

A Comparison Of Modeling Approaches In Simulating Chlorinated Ethene Removal In A Constructed Wetland By A Microbial Consortia, Jason S. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to compare different approaches to modeling the reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes in the anaerobic region of an upward flow constructed wetland by microbial consortia. A controlled simulation experiment that compares three different approaches to modeling the degradation of chlorinated ethenes in wetland environments is conducted and investigates how each of the modeling approaches affect simulation results. Concepts like microbial growth in the form of a biofilm and spatially varying contaminant concentrations bring the validity of the CSTR assumption into question. These concepts are incorporated into the different modeling approaches to evaluate the CSTR …

Determination Of Chlorinated Solvent Contamination In An Upward Flow Constructed Wetland, Bryan C. Opperman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine chlorinated solvent contamination levels in an upward flow constructed wetland at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio. A stratified grid sampling methodology will be used in sampling the contaminated groundwater. Analysis will be accomplished by means of purge-and-trap gas chromatography. The contaminant concentration levels will be used to enhance the design and construction of man-made wetlands used to remove chlorinated solvents from aquifers. PCE levels declined from an average of 33.97 ppb in the inflow stream to an average of 3.65 ppb in the upper layer, a 91% reduction. High concentrations occurred …

Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Select Force Protection Initiatives For Evaluation, David M. Jurk

Theses and Dissertations

Current emphasis on homeland security/defense is high. Decision makers responsible for enhancing the protection of both military and civilian personnel require additional insight when selecting ideas, concepts, or technologies to pursue with constrained resources. They are faced with multiple criteria and multiple objectives; yet they have no defensible, objective, and repeatable selection process to assist them in making their decisions. This thesis explores whether the value-focused thinking (VFT) process is appropriate for providing the necessary insight to those decision makers. To prove the VFT process is appropriate and viable; this thesis focuses on constructing a value model, scoring alternatives, and …

Application Of Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells For In Situ Treatment Of Perchlorate Contaminated Groundwater, Jeffrey C. Parr

Theses and Dissertations

Groundwater contamination by perchlorate has recently been recognized as a significant environmental problem across the United States, and especially at Department of Defense facilities. In this study, a model is used to evaluate the potential of a innovative in situ bioremediation technology using Horizontal Flow Treatment Wells (HFTWs) to manage perchlorate-contaminated groundwater. The technology uses HFTWs to mix an electron donor into perchlorate-contaminated groundwater in order to promote reduction of the perchlorate by indigenous microorganisms in bioactive zones within the aquifer, as well as recirculate the contaminated water between treatment well pairs to achieve multiple passes of contaminated water through …

Chromate Content Bias Versus Overspray Particle Size In Three Aircraft Primer Paints, Brian S. Rhodes

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Air Force relies on the corrosion inhibiting properties of chromate-containing primer paints to protect the aluminum skin of its aircraft. Hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) the ingredient responsible for the corrosion inhibiting characteristics of these primers is a known human carcinogen. The concentration of Cr⁶⁺ in different particle sizes of paint overspray is important to understand health implications to painters as well as filtration efficiency. Previous research indicates disproportionately less Cr⁶⁺ content in smaller particles collected in the overspray of solvent-based epoxy-polyamide paint primers (MIL-P-2377G). This research explores the possibility of a particle size bias …

An Evaluation Of Geobest Contingency Beddown Planning Software Using The Technology Acceptance Model, Shawn J. Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

GeoBEST is a software program designed to simplify the contingency beddown planning process through application of geographic information technology. The purpose of this thesis was to thoroughly evaluate GeoBEST using prospective GeoBEST users in a realistic beddown planning scenario. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was applied, which measures a prospective user's perceptions of the technology's usefulness and ease-of-use and predicts their intentions to use the software in the future. The evaluations also included a qualitative evaluation of specific software features. The test group for this thesis was seventy-one Civil Engineering students attending contingency skills training at the Silver Flag training …

Groundwater Flow Through A Constructed Treatment Wetland, Andrew C. Entingh

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the flow of groundwater through one of the treatment cells. A major goal of the study is to determine whether the system design facilitates uniform vertical flows through the subsurface soil sediments or if preferential flows occur. Conceptually, uniform flows will achieve the most efficient degree of contaminant removal possible by evenly dispersing the groundwater contaminants throughout the full volume of the subsurface media. A three-dimensional grid of piezometers is used to generate potentiometric contour maps, and in-situ tests of hydraulic conductivity facilitate construction of a numerical computer model. The contours of hydraulic head, measured conductivities, and …

Characterization Of The Surface Morphology Of Bacillus Spores By Atomic Force Microscopy, Ruth A. Zolock

Theses and Dissertations

The surface morphology of Bacillus spores was resolved by atomic force microscopy in order to determine if characteristic surface features could be used to distinguish between closely related species. Four strains were studied: Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, Bacillus cereus strain 569, and Bacillus globigii var. niger. The spores were separated from a nutrient agar culture by filtering and centrifugation, suspended in deionized water, and immobilized on a graphite substrate by spin-coating. Atomic force microscopy imaging was done using intermittent contact mode, in air, under reduced humidity. Seven to ten spores of each species were fully characterized …

Hexavalent Chromium Dissociation From Overspray Particles Into Fluid For Three Aircraft Primers, Richard A. Schilke

Theses and Dissertations

DOD and industry use chromate-containing primers extensively to inhibit corrosion on metal assets. Chromate contains Cr⁶⁺, a human carcinogen, but there is little epidemiological evidence of increased lung cancer among spray painters. Using bio-aerosol impingers, overspray particles from three primers (solvent-borne epoxy, water-borne epoxy, and solvent-borne polyurethane) were collected into water to test the hypothesis that the paint matrix inhibits Cr⁶⁺ release into water, under the premise that this simulates Cr⁶⁺ release from particles into lung fluid. Particles were allowed to reside in water for 1 or 24 hours, then separated from the water by centrifugation, …

Estimating The Operating And Support Cost Difference Among Tuaf C-130, C-130b And Usaf C-130j Aircraft, Kubilay Kosucu

Theses and Dissertations

In an era of decreasing defense budgets in Korea, the Korean Air Force Transportation Department has suffered from an insufficient vehicles procurement budget, resulting in fewer vehicles of increasing age, as well as decreasing military morale. For these reasons, the Korean Air Force Transportation Department needs a breakthrough to retain the transportation ability to support the field of operation in an effective and economic way. However, the Korea Air Force Transportation Department has only one method for procuring general-purpose vehicles, which is purchasing. Thus, the comparative analysis of leasing versus buying vehicle study started from the recognition of this situation …

An Evaluation Of The Hazard Prediction And Assessment Capability (Hpac) Software's Ability To Model The Chornobyl Accident, Dirk E. Plante

Theses and Dissertations

A parameter study was conducted for a space nuclear reactor radiation shield. The focus of this research was to explore alternatives to current radiation shield designs to reduce the mass while maintaining the same shielding performance. MCNP4C was used to determine the parameters necessary to build an optimum shield. A design known as the split scatter shield offered some potential for reductions in shield mass. In theory, less material is required for this type of shield, which uses thin shield sections to scatter radiation away from the dose plane. The parameters for this shield design are the shield geometry, number …

An Integrated Architecture And Feature Selection Algorithm For Radial Basis Neural Networks, Timothy D. Flietstra

Theses and Dissertations

There are two basic ways to control an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) as it searches for targets: allow the UCAV to act autonomously or employ man-in-the-loop control. There are also two target sets of interest: fixed or mobile targets. This research focuses on UCAV-based targeting of mobile targets using man-in-the-loop control. In particular, the interest is in how levels of satellite signal latency or signal degradation affect the ability to accurately track, target, and attack mobile targets. This research establishes a weapon effectiveness model assessing targeting inaccuracies as a function of signal latency and/or signal degradation. The research involved …

Selecting Salient Features In High Feature To Exemplar Ratio Conditions, Ismail Aslan

Theses and Dissertations

A key tenet to the Air Force's vision of Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power is the ability to project power via the use of aerial refueling. Scheduling of limited tanker resources is a major concern for Air Mobility Command (AMC). Currently the Combined Mating and Ranging Planning System (CMARPS) is used to plan aerial refueling operations, however due to the complex nature of the program and the length of time needed to run a scenario, the need for a simple tool that runs in much shorter time is desired. Ant colony algorithms are recently developed heuristics for finding solutions to …

Serotonin Modulates Oscillations Of The Membrane Potential In Isolated Spinal Neurons From Lampreys, I. V. Batueva, James T. Buchanan, N. P. Veselkin, E. I. Suderevskaya, E. A. Tsvetkov

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Studies were performed on spinal neurons from lampreys isolated by an enzymatic/mechanical method using pronase. The effects of 100 µM serotonin (5-HT) on membrane potential oscillations induced by a variety of excitatory amino acids were studied. 5-HT was found to depolarize branched cells (presumptive motoneurons and interneurons) by 2–6 mV without inducing membrane potential oscillations. However, when oscillations were already present because of an excitatory amino acid, 5-HT changed the parameters of these oscillations, increasing the amplitudes of all types of oscillations, increasing the frequency of irregular oscillations, and increasing the duration of the depolarization plateaus accompanied by action potentials. …

Washington University Record, March 1, 2002

Washington University Record

No abstract provided.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Egfr) As A Prognostic Marker: An Immunohistochemical Study On 315 Consecutive Breast Carcinoma Patients, S. A. Aziz, Shahid Pervez, N. Kayani, M. H. Rahbar, S. Khan

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Objective: To assess the independent and interdependent prognostic value of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in carcinoma of breast in female population. The Type I family of growth factor receptors includes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR also known as EGFRI).

Methods: The expression of EGFR protein was analysed immunohistochemically on 315 tumour specimens of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast. These patients also had axillary lymph nodes sampling.

Results: Overexpression and/or amplification of EGFR was observed in 70 (22.00%) tumours. Eleven (16%) were grade I, 43 (61%) grade II and 16 (23%) grade Ill tumours. Axillary lymph node metastasis had significant …

Genomic Microsatellites As Evolutionary Chronometers: A Test In Wild Cats, Carlos A. Driscoll, Marilyn Menotti-Raymond, George Nelson, David Goldstein, Stephen J. O'Brien

Biology Faculty Articles

Nuclear microsatellite loci (2- to 5-bp tandem repeats) would seem to be ideal markers for population genetic monitoring because of their abundant polymorphism, wide dispersal in vertebrate genomes, near selective neutrality, and ease of assessment; however, questions about their mode of generation, mutation rates and ascertainment bias have limited interpretation considerably. We have assessed the patterns of genomic diversity for ninety feline microsatellite loci among previously characterized populations of cheetahs, lions and pumas in recapitulating demographic history. The results imply that the microsatellite diversity measures (heterozygosity, allele reconstitution and microsatellite allele variance) offer proportionate indicators, albeit with large variance, of …

Modulatory Effects Of Citrus Flavonoids Towards The Metabolism And Mutagenicity Of Environmental Carcinogens, Wayne L. Bear

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The environmental carcinogens classified as heterocyclic amines (HCA’s) and the tobacco-specific nitrosamine NNK generally require internal enzymatic activation. This activation occurs via cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and leads to metabolites that bind to human DNA which may in turn cause mutations which may then in turn lead to carcinogenesis. Certain nonnutritive plant compounds termed phytochemicals may protect against HCA and NNK-induced mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. We investigated the potential protective effects of five different phytochemicals of the flavonoid class which naturally occur in citrus. These flavonoids were diosmin, naringin. naringenin, rutin, and quercetin. Our results suggest that naringenin and quercetin were …

Enhancement Of Anti-Hiv-1 Ribozyme Activities By Rev Binding And Multimerization, Yuksel Yildiz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

To effectively apply hammerhead ribozymes as therapeutic agents it is necessary to co-localize them with the desired target. Human immunodeficiency virus type1 (HIV- 1) infectivity is dependent on env gene expression. HIV-1 Rev protein binds to a higher ordered RNA structure within the env transcript termed the Rev Binding Element (RBE). In anti-HIV gene therapy employing ribozymes to increase the co-localization of anti- HIV ribozymes with target HIV mRNAs, it has been proposed that when the native HIV- 1 RBE is appended to a ribozyme as a decoy molecule, simultaneous binding of Rev monomers to the RBE sequences in both …

Hard Tissue Healing Adjacent To Fresh Or Set Mta As Root-End Filling Material, Erol S. Apaydin

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been shown to promote regeneration of periradicular tissues when used as a root-end filling material. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of fresh MTA with set MTA on hard tissue healing following periradicular surgery.

Under general anesthesia, the root canals of twenty-four mandibular premolars in four 2-year-old beagle dogs were filled with MTA. Two weeks later the root-ends of half of the samples were surgically exposed and resected to the level of set MTA within the canals. After exposing and resecting the other 12 root-ends, class I cavities were prepared in …

Golden Rice: A Case Study In Intellectual Property Management And International Capacity Building, Stanley P. Kowalski, R. David Kryder

RISK: Health, Safety & Environment (1990-2002)

The authors examine the management of risks associated with intellectual property linked to agri-biotech products, with emphasis on the international movement of agri-biotech intellectual property from industrialized to developing nations.