Engineering Commons^™

Cultivators For Conservation Tillage, Robert Grisso, Paul J. Jasa, Elbert C. Dickey

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Cultivation, a proven weed control methods, should be used primarily to control weeds, rebuild ridges, or aerate poorly drained or crusted soils. Cultivating just to stir the soil usually dries the soil and can result in lower yields during drier cropping conditions. For example, cultivating during warm and windy conditions can result in ¼ to ¾ inches of soil moisture loss.

The main difference between a conservation tillage cultivator and a conventional cultivator is the ability to handle residue and penetrate the soil. By definition, conservation tillage should leave at least 30 percent of the soil surface covered with crop …

Definitions Of Tillage Systems For Corn, J. C. Siemens, Elbert C. Dickey, E. D. Threadgill

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

If "tillage" is defined as the mechanical manipulation of soil, it follows, then, that a "tillage system" would be the sequence of soil-manipulation operations performed in producing a crop. Today, however, such a definition is recognized as inadequate. We know, for instance, that the management of non-harvested plant tissue (i.e., residue) affects both crop production and soil erosion, and that field operations in which the soil is not tilled have a marked influence on soil condition.

Therefore, in this publication, a tillage system is the sequence of all operations involved in producing the crop, including soil manipulation, harvesting, chopping or …

Management Of Feedlot Runoff Control Systems, Elbert C. Dickey, Gerald R. Bodman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

During recent years, most open feedlot operators have found it desirable and, in some cases, necessary to install runoff control facilities. Even though the primary purpose of feedlot runoff control systems is the prevention of water pollution, many producers have found that good management of these systems also offers limited economic benefits in the form of fertilizer nutrients and supplemental irrigation water. Well managed runoff control systems also reduce weeds, odors, insects and muddy areas at or near feedlot edges. The runoff control system that has proved most satisfactory for all areas of the country is one consisting of clean …

Three Dimensional Visualisation Of Tmj Anatomy Using Mri Techniques, Mythreyi T. Krishnaswamy

Theses

The best assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can only be done by the scanning the jaw and getting an image without invivo analysis which causes patient discomfort. There have been innumerable efforts to get the best view using CT techniques for three dimensional visualisation. But very few have done work using MRI techniques.

The TMJ is an integral part of the jaw and helps in mastication and biting. Since the joint is a hinge sliding articulation any dislocation causes immense pain and discomfort.

To get a better assessment of the TMJ, MRI techniques have been used for data acquisition. The …

Automated Eeg Analysis And Spike Detection, Walter Vanderschraaf

Theses

EEG analysis of epileptic patients is extremely time consuming. Patients are monitored up to 36 hours at a time. The neurologist must visually review stacks of EEG records to determine whether they contain epileptic or artifactual activity. This process is very subjective and can vary from one neurologist to another based on his or her training and experience. The neurologist is only human and may tire or lose his or her concentration. Automated EEG analysis can efficiently reduce the amount of data and time involved in analysis. It is also more consistent and objective than human analysis.

The main objective …

Image Deblurring For Visualization Of Coronary Microcirculation, Kaijun Wang

Theses

Blurred images of the rat coronary microcirculation have been obtained and processed. Heart motion, blood flow and noise cause the blur of the images. The objective of this thesis work was to study the effects of these factors on image quality and assess several models for image deblurring. The Wiener Filter and the Powei Spectrum Equalization Filter were implemented and were added to the existing image processing software. The images obtained after the application of these filters showed significant improvement over the original blurred images.

Evaluation Of Scalar Value Estimation Techniques For 3d Medical Imaging, Rob W. Parrott

Theses and Dissertations

Scalar value estimation in 3D medical imaging increases data resolution for enhanced renditions and corrects inaccurate surface formations. Accurate estimations are vital because clinical assessment is often aided by examination of 3D medical images. This thesis explores different estimation techniques and introduces the geostatistical estimation technique called kriging to the field of 3D imaging. Kriging theory claims to be the optimal estimator-- better than the standard deterministic methods commonly used. The techniques investigated are linear interpolation, trilinear interpolation, tricubic interpolation, and kriging. This research investigates scalar value estimation in the volume pre-processing operation of slice interpolation and in a surface …

A Topographical Analysis Of The Human Electroencephalogram For Patterns In The Development Of Motion Sickness, George S. Vogen

Theses and Dissertations

A topographical analysis was performed on 12 electroencephalograms (EEGs) collected from 10 volunteers who experienced motion sickness through cross-coupled Coriolis stimulation. Seven males and three females participated in the research conducted at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright- Patterson AFB. Two male volunteers participated in double-blind placebo/ phenytoin trials. Static brain maps and dynamic EEGs which focused on delta (below 3Hz) activity during the development of motion sickness revealed a seizure-like propagation pattern. With initial symptoms, a clear left parietal focus was seen in all records. A less dominant left fronto-temporal focus was present in 11 of the 12 …

Calcium Channel Dynamics In Hippocampal Neurons : Simulation And Physiological Studies, Prasad D. Jasthi

Theses

Mathematical modelling and computer simulations of neurons was presented by various researchers in the past. Computer simulations provide a time efficient and cost effective method to obtain required information about the physiological system. The objective of this project is to study the kinetics of calcium channels in hippocampal neurons. In an attempt to study the calcium channel activity we have developed a mathematical model for the CA3 region of the hippocampus and have analysed the calcium current noise obtained from the physiological recordings. The Simulation results had reproduced the action potential and activities of sodium and potassium channels, but did …

A Conservation Tillage Educational Program, Elbert C. Dickey, Paul J. Jasa, David P. Shelton

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

An educational program was conducted to enhance the adoption of conservation tillage practices in targeted areas to reduce soil erosion and on-farm fuel use. Traditional extension methods such as meetings, field days, demonstrations, and plots were used extensively. In addition, the following nontraditional educational methods were used to achieve project objectives: targeting high priority areas, local program guidance committees, surveys to evaluate perceptions and use of conservation tillage, employment of extension assistants to work in the target areas, use of a rainfall simulator to demonstrate the effectiveness of residue cover in reducing erosion, and small group or "coffee shop" meetings …

Instrumentation And Control For A Microprocessor-Based Coronary Perfusion System, Daniel L. Priester

Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus

No abstract provided.

Area Conservation Tillage Meetings-A Successful Educational Program, Elbert C. Dickey, Paul J. Jasa, David P. Shelton, Robert Grisso, Keith Glewen

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Interest in conservation tillage began to increase in the early 1980s, and farmers wanted information on how to adopt and manage various tillage and planting systems. Area conservation tillage meetings were developed by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension to provide the needed information on a regional basis. Local extension agents and Soil Conservation Service personnel helped extension specialists determine program content. The multidisciplinary meetings included farmer presentations and allowed space and time for commercial exhibits. About 80% of respondents to meeting evaluations indicated they planned to change their tillage practices as a result of the information presented.

Deconvolution Applications In Arterial Dynamics, Shanthi Ganesan

Theses

This thesis deals with the computation of the Arterial Impulse Response Function by deconvolving aortic pressure and flow signals in time domain. Several methods have been developed in the past to obtain a solution for the convolution integral. These are (1) Transform method, and (2) Numerical Approximation methods : a. Conventional method b. Relaxation methods.

These methods have been applied in the past to the RC network model and it was found to work well. In this thesis, the methods are applied to data from more realistic models and also on data obtained from dogs. The model considered is a …

Bio-Mechanics Of The Hip Joint And The Engineering Considerations In The Treatment Of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures, Manoj D. Nene

Theses

Numerous previous attempts have been made to determine the magnitude and the direction of forces acting on the hip joint. The mechanism of femoral neck fractures and the frequently occurring failure of its internal fixation has led engineers to analyze the forces involved. An unstable intertrochanteric fracture is one which lacks continuity of the bone cortex on the opposing surfaces of the proximal and digital fragments. A mathematical model is created in this study to examine the 135° and 150° nail plate. The results give an approximate estimation of stresses on the two plates. A 3D finite element model of …

A Biomechanical Analysis Of Three Humeral Fracture Fixation Systems, Alina Michelle Waite

Theses

Often, humeral fractures requiring internal fixation can be a challenging orthopaedic procedure. Each method of treatment possesses clinical and biomechanical advantages and disadvantages. Rigid plate fixation is highly successful in treating a large variety of long bone fractures. Nevertheless, excessive soft tissue dissection is necessary, and vascular and neural anatomy of the humerus can make plate application and removal difficult. An intramedullary nail offers a relatively simple procedure, thereby reducing these anatomical concerns. However, rotational instability at the fracture site is a common complication with a conventional intramedullary nail. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate a new interlocking intramedullary …

An Approach To Improving The Antithrombogenesis Of Pneumatic Diaphragm Artificial Ventricle : Fabrication And Design Considerations, Hui-Sun Wang

Theses

Thrombus formation is one of the major problems in artificial heart development and its clinical applications. In order to improve the antithrombogenesis in the artificial ventricles, three aspects of investigation have been done in the laboratory.

1] the surface features and the surface defects on specially prepared samples made of polyurethane and silicon rubber were studied and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ), light microscopy and KEVEX Feature Analysis for understanding and controlling the blood contacting surface.

2] the polyurethane blood contacting surface with smooth surface fabricated by solution cast process, the material treatment, and the fabrication procedure …

Adaptive Filter Application In Fetal Electrocardiography, Xueqiang Zhou

Theses

A hybrid adaptive algorithm for cancelling the maternal electrocardiography (MECG) component in abdominal fetal electrocardiography(FECG) is described. This algo rithm combines the advantages of the orthogonal algorithm which was developed by Reichert(1977) and the multiple reference noise cancelling adaptive algorithm which was developed by Widrow(1975).

The simulating experiment was taken to test all of these three algorithms. It demonstrated that all these three algorithms can cancel the abdominal component of the maternal ECG with three limb lead ECG signals. and the hybrid algorithm is at least as effective as each other algorithm alone. In this experiment, the abdominal ECG signal …

Oscillatory Potentials Model And Parameter Identification, Huizhong Pan

Theses

Two mathematicals model are presented for the oscillatory potentials of the electroretinogram. These models represent the oscillatory potential in terms of sets of parameters whose values may provide information of diagnostic value.

The test setup and protocol for obtaining the oscillatory potentials are described, as well as the data processing including acquisition up to identification of the model parameters.

Data from eight subjects, five normals and three diabetics, were used to evaluate the two models. These preliminary test results show a marked difference in the values of some of the model parameters between normals and diabetics.

Roughness Coefficients For Selected Residue Materials, John E. Gilley, Eugene R. Kottwitz, Gary A. Wieman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Analysis of surface runoff on upland areas requires identification of roughness coefficients. A laboratory study is conducted to measure Darcy-Weisbach and Manning roughness coefficients for corn, cotton, peanut, pine needles, sorghum, soybeans, sunflower, and wheat residue. Varying rates of flow are introduced into a flume in which selected amounts of residue are securely attached. Roughness coefficients are calculated from measurements of discharge rate and flow velocity. The laboratory data are used to derive regression equations for relating roughness coefficients to Reynolds number and either percent residue cover or residue rate. Separate equations are developed for Reynolds number values from 500 …

1-Nitronaphthalene Causes Ultrastructural Changes Primarily In Nonciliated Bronchiolar Epithelium Followed By Ciliated Epithelium In The Rat, John-Michael Sauer

Masters Theses

This study describes morphological changes in the lung at several time intervals following a single injection of 1-Nitronaphthalene (100 mg/kg intraperitoneal) in male Sprague-Dawley rats using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Dilation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial distension in the nonciliated bronchiolar (Clara) cells was apparent as early as 1 hour after injection, while adjacent ciliated cell showed minimal changes. At 6 hours, when respiratory distress was apparent in the animals, Clara and ciliated cells exhibited chromatin clumping, loss of mitochondrial cristae and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Also at 6 hours, the interstitial area around the terminal bronchioles was infiltrated …

Image Enhancement And Analysis Of Leukocyte Adhesion, Yee-Ruh Lin

Theses

The image of leukocyte adhesion to microvascular walls in the isolated rat perfused heart model has been observed and processed. Some of the fluorescent labeled leukocytes are barely visible due to microscope focal plane and the motion of objects. The purpose of this thesis is to extract leukocyte from the image of the experimental data using image enhancement and analysis (segmentation) techniques and develop a program to handle automatically counting of leukocytes in a predefined scene.

Eeg Data Compression, Yun-Chu Wu

Theses

This paper presents two different ways to compress EEC data-direct data com pression and a data transformation technique. The Adaptive Delta modulation and Huffman coding are used in the former method to predict or interpolate the data. Linear orthognal transformation algorithms are used in the latter method to detect and reduce the redundancies of the data by analyzing the spectral and energy distribution. Each method is implemented by programming the computer. The experimental results of their efficiencies and errors with different requirements and under different situations are compared and discussed. By comparing the EEC data compression degree and normalized square …

Burn Wound Healing Evaluation By Infrared Imaging, Shang-Yuan Chen

Theses

Infrared imaging is a pictorial method of temperature representation. Its advantage in the treatment of burns is that it is a non-invasive, safe and reliable method for estimating the area, temperature and depth of burns. An Imaging Burn program was developed for comparing changes in burn area in response to treatment with time. The program proved itself capable of determining the surface area of simulated lesions on the skin of human volunteers to within an error of 1.6 percent. The size and temperature of burn lesions in patients was recorded. First degree burns were warmer than surrounding areas of normal …

The Application Of Adaptive Step-Size Control In The Numerical Simulation Of Calcium Release In Vascular Smooth Muscle, Michael John Sydor

Theses

An algorithm for the adaptive control of numerical integration step-size is developed and implemented for the simulation of a three compartment model for Vascular Smooth Muscle. The three compartment model accounts for the simultaneous diffusion of Ca, ⁴⁵Ca, EGTA, Ca-EGTA, and ⁴⁵Ca-EGTA, and is an extension of a two compartment model by Diecke for the simultaneous diffusion of Ca, EGTA, and Ca-EGTA. The addition of the third compartment is to account for the presence of the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum which stores the calcium needed for contraction and is the primary regulator of calcium in the VSM cell. The SR …

Hydraulic Roughness Coefficients As Affected By Random Roughness, John E. Gilley, S. C. Finkner

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Random roughness parameters are used to characterize surface microrelief. In this study, random roughness was determined following six selected tillage operations. Random roughness measurements agreed closely with values reported in the literature.

Surface runoff on upland areas is analyzed using hydraulic roughness coefficients. Darcy-Weisbach and Manning hydraulic roughness coefficients were identified in this investigation on each soil surface where random roughness values were determined. Hydraulic roughness coefficients were obtained from measurements of discharge rat巳and flow velocity.

The experimental data were used to derive regression relationships which related Darcy-Weisbach and Manning hydraulic roughness coefficients to random roughness and Reynolds number. Random …

Metabolism Of Arachidonate-Containing Phospholipid Molecular Species In The Murine Macrophage-Like Cell Line, P388d1, Crystal R. Waites

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Glycerophospholipids of mammalian cells exist as chemically diverse structures with various fatty acids at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions. Arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, which may be converted to biologically active eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, is found predominantly in the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. The purpose of this study was to examine, at the level of the individual molecular species, the incorporation of arachidonate into phospholipids and its release from phospholipids during stimulation. In this way, the specificity of the enzymes controlling arachidonate metabolism could be examined in order to clarify the processes that control the …

Signal Processing Methodologies For An Acoustic Fetal Heart Rate Monitor, Robert A. Pretlow Iii

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Research and development is presented of real time signal processing methodologies for the detection of fetal heart tones within a noise-contaminated signal from a passive acoustic sensor. A linear predictor algorithm is utilized for detection of the heart tone event and additional processing derives heart rate. The linear predictor is adaptively "trained" in a least mean square error sense on generic fetal heart tones recorded from patients. A real time monitor system is described which outputs to a strip chart recorder for plotting the time history of the fetal heart rate. The system is validated in the context of the …

Peripheral Nerve Bridges For Central Nervous System Regeneration, Silvio Varon, Theo Hagg, H. Lee Vahlsing, Marston Manthorpe

Cells and Materials

A neuronotrophic hypothesis for the adult central nervous system (CNS) has been increasingly supported by in vivo studies of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) impacts on adult rat CNS cholinergic neurons. We have extended these investigations to NGF effects on cholinergic axonal regeneration in an adult rat septo-hippocampal model. A fimbriafornix lesion deprives the dorsal hippocampal formation (HF) of its cholinergic afferents and provides a cavity into which sciatic nerve segments can be implanted to serve as regeneration bridges from septum to HF. Septa! cholinergic fibers enter and course through fresh cell-containing nerve bridges to attain a maximal number by the …

Primary Bone Formation In Porous Hydroxyapatite Ceramic: A Light And Scanning Electron Microscopic Study, M. Okumura, H. Ohgushi, S. Tamai, E. C. Shors

Cells and Materials

Porous hydroxyapatite ceramics combined with rat marrow cells were implanted subcutaneously in the back of syngeneic Fischer rats . Fluorochrome-labeling (calcein, tetracycline) was performed post-operatively and the ceramics were harvested 4 weeks after implantation. Undecalcified thin sections of the implants were observed under light microscopy or fluoromicroscopy and the corresponding areas were also analyzed in a scanning electron microscope connected to an electron probe microanalyzer (SEM-EPMA). Many pore areas of the ceramics showed bone and osteoid formation together with active osteoblasts. The bone formation began directly on the surface of the ceramic and proceeded in a centripetal direction towards the …

Deposition And Resorption Of Calcified Matrix In Vitro By Rat Marrow Cells, J. E. Davies, R. Chernecky, B. Lowenberg, A. Shiga

Cells and Materials

Rat bone marrow derived cells were cultured using a-Minimal Essential Medium supplemented with antibiotics, ascorbic acid and !3-glycerphosphate in the presence of 10-8M dexamethasone, on polystyrene and hydrophilic fluorocarbon substrata for periods of 2 - 4 weeks. During this time, a large yield of bone nodules was achieved and the elaborated tissue was examined by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The matrix produced by the cells contacting the underlying substratum was an afibrillar, globular, calcified material which formed a layer approximately 0.5μm thick. The calcium and phosphorus content of this material was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray dot mapping …