Engineering Commons^™

A Timesaving Method For Labeling Figures, Tables And References, Randy Carlson

Biological Process Development Facility: Staff Publications

No matter how carefully an author outlines a manuscript, the figures, tables, and bibliographic citations are inevitably renumbered one or more times before the final draft. For example, the addition of a new reference to a late draft will sometimes entail the renumbering of all other references throughout the manuscript. A partial solution to this common technical problem in scientific writing is offered here. It is a refinement of an approach known to many scientists.

Electronic Image Analysis Of Crop Residue Cover On Soil, George E. Meyer, Anthony Stepanek, David P. Shelton, Elbert C. Dickey

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Classification procedures for using both black and white and color imaging systems were developed and tested for determination of percent residue cover on the soil surface from video and slide images. A spectral analysis of the image components was used for determining applicable wavelengths and filters. Color imagery provided an acceptable replacement for manual visual procedures. Black-and-white imagery also worked when appropriate blocking filters were used.

A Rapid, Widely Applicable Screen For Drugs That Suppress Free Radical Formation In Ischemia/Reperfusion, Steven C. Salaris, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Substantial injury can occur during reoxygenation of previously ischemic tissue in many experimental models, as the result of the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals. To test the antiradical activity of potentially protective compounds in this setting, we developed a simple screening system, applicable to fresh biopsy specimens, in which warm ischemia and reoxygenation of excised tissue are performed in vitro. Tissue production of malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents is used as a nonspecific-but-sensitive marker of oxygen radical damage. Test compounds with putative antiradical activity are added prior to the reoxygenation phase, and their ability to suppress MDA production is an index of …

A Rapid, Widely Applicable Screen For Drugs That Suppress Free Radical Formation In Ischemia/Reperfusion, Steven C. Salaris, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Substantial injury can occur during reoxygenation of previously ischemic tissue in many experimental models, as the result of the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals. To test the antiradical activity of potentially protective compounds in this setting, we developed a simple screening system, applicable to fresh biopsy specimens, in which warm ischemia and reoxygenation of excised tissue are performed in vitro. Tissue production of malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents is used as a nonspecific-but-sensitive marker of oxygen radical damage. Test compounds with putative antiradical activity are added prior to the reoxygenation phase, and their ability to suppress MDA production is an index of …

Myocardial Perfusion Pressure: A Predictor Of 24hour Survival During Prolonged Cardiac Arrest In Dogs, Karl B. Kern, Gordon A. Ewy, William D. Voorhees, Charles F. Babbs, Willis A. Tacker

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Myocardial perfusion pressure, defined as the aortic diastolic pressure minus the right atria1 diastolic pressure, correlates with coronary blood flow during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and predicts initial resuscitation success. Whether this hemodynamic parameter can predict 24-h survival is not known. We examined the relationship between myocardial perfusion pressure and 24-h survival in 60 dogs that underwent prolonged (20 min) ventricular fibrillation and CPR. Forty-two (70%) animals were initially resuscitated and 20 (33%) survived for 24 h. Myocardial perfusion pressure was significantly greater when measured at 5, 10, 15 and 20 min of ventricular fibrillation in the resuscitated animals than in …

Monitoring Natural Air Corn Drying—A Demonstration Project, Richard O. Pierce, Gary L. Zoubek

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A demonstration project is described where natural air corn drying performance was monitored weekly and drying results were printed in a local newspaper. The newspaper articles also gave management recommendations for the upcoming week. Similar demonstration projects can be conducted using the procedures described in this paper.

Correlation Of Starch Recovery With Assorted Quality Factors Of Four Corn Hybrids, Curtis L. Weller, Marvin R. Paulsen, Marvin P. Steinberg

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A laboratory wet-milling process was developed for use in determining starch recovery of yellow dent corn. The effects of harvest moisture and drying air temperature on starch recovery were investigated for four hybrids. A split split-plot experimental design was used to evaluate the effects. Starch recovery was not significantly different among the hybrids; however, it did decreases both harvest moisture and drying air temperature increased. Starch recovery was correlated with quantitative measures of assorted quality factors. Regression analysis found starch recovery to be a function of starch content, test weight, and ethanol-soluble protein.

Calibration Accuracy Of Pesticide Application Equipment, Robert Grisso, E. J. Hewett, Elbert C. Dickey, R. D. Schnieder, E. W. Nelson

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Afield survey of 140 private and commercial pesticide applicators was conducted during the spring of 1986 in 12 counties of central and eastern Nebraska. The results showed that one out of every three cooperators was applying pesticides within ± 5% of their intended application rate. Results indicated that applicators have reduced application errors from that of a similar survey conducted in 1979. However, most errors still can be traced to incorrect calibration. Ninety-four percent of the cooperators used some type of calibration method. Two-thirds used the "Known Area" method. Those using a calibration method more than once a year had …

Surface Cover From Corn Residue On Sandy Soils, R. Todd, Norman L. Klocke, Elbert C. Dickey, Dennis Bauer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Corn residue left as surface cover after land preparation and planting by various combinations of tillage implements and surface planters, respectively, was measured on four research/ demonstration sites with sandy soils in Nebraska. Surface cover ranged from 51 to 80% for the no-till treatments to 14 to 53% for the twice-disked treatments. The wide range in cover was due to the amount of antecedent residues from the previous crop and the soil type which ranged from sandy loam to tine sands. Other tillage implements included a rolling cultivator, sweep-plow, and mulch-treader.

Human Health Effects Assays, Ronald C. Sims, J. L. Sims, R. R. Dupont

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Environmental health risk assessments based upon animal study results, epidemiology, quantitative structure activity relationships (QSARs), dose-response relationships, risk perception, and expert systems approaches, and the evaluation of mechanisms of carcinogenesis represent the focus for 1987. The term "biological risk assessment" was discussed by Clayson¹ to describe that part of risk assessment concerned with the relevance of specific animal results to the induction of human cancer. Guidelines for health assessment of suspect developmental toxicants addressed evaluation of data from animal testing studies.² Animal toxicity data on 200 chemicals and epidemiologic data on 30 chemicals was included within a data …

Biological Transformation And Detoxification Of 7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene In Soil, K. Park, Ronald C. Sims, W. J. Doucette, J. E. Matthews

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Biological transformation and detoxification of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anathracene (DMBA) were studied in a nonacclimated sandy loam soil. Parent 14C DMBA biodegraded extensively (62% to 20%), accompanying an increase of metabolite 14C fraction (4% to 53%). Incorporation of DMBA into non extractable soil residue ,4C increased from 12 to 17%, but the increase was not statistically significant. DMBA was transformed into several metabolic products in the soil system, including 4-hydroxy-, 5-hydroxy-, and 10-hydroxy-DMBA and 7,12-dihydro 12-methyl-7-methylene-benz(a)anthracene-12-ol. High polarity transformation products of DMBA demonstrated a negative mu tagenic response with the Ames mutagenicity assay, strain TA 100, for both low and neutral pH soils. …

Fate And Transport Of Organics In Soil: Model Predictions And Experimental Results, B. D. Symons, Ronald C. Sims, W. J. Grenney

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Laboratory batch reactors were used to generate quantitative information about the fate of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PNA) compounds in soil systems. First-order degradation rates and equilibrium partition coefficients determined in laboratory studies were used in the Vadose Zone Interactive Processes (VIP) mathematical model to predict the fate and behavior of the PNA compounds as a function of time and soil depth. Predicted model results were compared with independent laboratory soil column studies for model validation. The VIP model provided a good approximation of the degradation and transport of the seven PNA compounds evaluated after 6 months of incubation in soil. …

Nebraska's Modified-Open-Front Farrowing Houses Design And Operation, Gerald R. Bodman, Donald G. Levis, Duane E. Reese

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Two modified-open-front non-mechanically ventilated farrowing houses with creep boxes were operated over a two year period. Annual energy requirements were in the range of 10.6 to 10.9 cents per crate per day. No adverse effects on pig performance were realized. In most instances pig performance exceeded national standards of excellent performance—survival rates in excess of 90% and 21-day pig weights of 5.9 to 6.8 kg (13 to 15 lb). The study verified that another alternative is available to producers who do not want additional mechanical equipment to operate and maintain.

Size Distribution Of Sediment As Affected By Surface Residue And Slope Length, John E. Gilley, S. C. Finkner, G. E. Varvel

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Runoff samples for determination of size distribution of sediment were collected under simulated rainfall conditions at selected downslope distances on plots covered with sorghum and soybean residue at rates ranging from 0.00 to 6.73 t/ha . The effects of surface residue and slope length on size distribution of sediment were evaluated. Substantial movement of sediment in the form of aggregates was found for each of the residue treatments. Significant differences in size distribution of sediment occurred between residue treatments. For a given residue rate, differences in sediment size distribution were found between sorghum and soybean residue. Size distribution of sediment …

The Non-Contacting Surface Area Assessment Of Burn Wounds Using Computer Imaging Methods, Sarmishtha Meeta Rath

Theses

The need for a reliable and accurate method for assessing the surface area of burn wounds currently exists in the branch of medicine involved with burn care and treatment. The percentage of the body affected by burns, measured by the percent total burn surface area, is of critical importance in evaluating fluid replacement amounts and nutritional support during the first 24 hours of postburn therapy. A simple technique has been developed which facilitates the measurement of burned areas non-invasively. Directly measuring burn surfaces yields quantitative results which can be used in assessing the extent of burns, monitoring the healing progression …

Characterization Of Pulse Duplicator Model For Testing Of Heart Valves, Pankesh Nilkamal Kadam

Theses

The design and development of a pulse duplicator system for testing of prosthetic valves is described. The performance characteristics were evaluated by computing the input impedance of the system from the measured pressure and flow signals for different simulation configurations. The study has been further extended to determine the feasibility of evaluating the cardiovascular status of a patient after major open heart procedure or in state of shock.

Built on hydrodynamic principles, the model allows for a wide range of heart rates, flow rates and mean pressures to be simulated. The artificial circulatory system used as a load to the …

The Effect Of Platelet Activating Factor On Leukocyte Adhesion To The Post Capillary Walls And Developing Dose Response Relationships, Michael Francis Fitzpatrick

Theses

Blood circulation at the microcirculatory level plays an important role in the inflammatory process. Adhesion and emigration of white blood cells are among the major microcirculatory responses to inflammation. It has been recently suggested that platelet activating factor (PAF) may be a significant mediator in the local inflammatory response. This research was undertaken to characterize and quantitate the effects of PAF on the adhesion of white cells to the wall of postcapillary venules of 7-80um diameter.

The hamster cheek pouch microcirculation was used as a model for microcirculatory dynamics and was prepared for both bright field and fluorescent intravital microscopy. …

A Mathematical Model For The Isometric Contraction Of Smooth Muscle On The Basis Of The Phosphorylated Myosin Regulation Process, Joseph J. Kocinsky

Theses

A mathematical model was proposed for the isometric contraction of smooth muscle (i.e., vascular, urterine, & gastrointestinal) that accounts for the experimental observations on tension transients and pCa²⁺-tension curves. The model is based on the elementary reaction kinetics involved in the process; it uses the Ca²⁺-dependent myosin phosphorylation regulatory mechanism in its interpretation. The model is composed of four parts : (a) the activation of myosin light chain kinase; (b) the phosphorylation of myosin light chains; (c) the actin-myosin Mg²⁺ATPase cross-bridge reaction cycle; and (d) the development of isometric tension. The interaction of the …

Optimization Of The Design Of The Harrington Distraction Rod And Hooks, Margaret Ann Pisani

Theses

The Harrington Distraction Rod is presently attached to the spines of patients who suffer from scoliosis and vertebral fractures. The rod's purpose is to apply a distractive force to the scoliotic curve in an attempt to reduce its severity. In fractures this rod is implanted to reduce the fracture and increase the stability of the spinal column. Harrington distraction rods are also inserted in order to give mechanical support to the spinal column.

Presently the Harrington Distraction Rod, manufactured by Zimmer, is one—quarter inch in diameter and made of 316L cold—worked stainless steel. The proximal end of the rod consists …

Fibrin Glue For Spilt-Thickness Skin Grafts And Microsurgical End-To-End Arterial Anastomoses In Live Rats, Susan Diane Drastal

Theses

Fibrinogen and thrombin were combined to make a "glue" for adherence in microvascular anastomoses and split-thickness autologous skin grafts in rats. The powdered human fibrinogen and bovine thrombin were mixed with sterile water and each applied drop-wise through separate syringes in equal concentrations. A gelatinous clot formed in 10 seconds, and was completely coagulated in 45 seconds. In part I, one-half of the group had their grafts sutured, and one-half had their grafts glued in place.

In part II, microvascular arterial anastomoses were performed. Group I had their arteries reanastomosed using sutures only; group II had their arteries reanastomosed by …

Mathematical Modelling Of The Simultaneous Diffusion Of Egta And Caegta And Ca2+ In A Two-Compartment System Representing Skinned Smooth Muscle, Roderick Jon Hausser

Theses

Smooth muscle strips "chemically skinned" with Triton X-100 represent a two-compartment system consisting of the extracellular space (ECS) and the cytosolic space (CS) bounded by the permeabilized plasma membrane. Free [Ca²⁺] in such systems must be controlled with sufficiently high concentrations of Ca-buffers (EGTA). The presence of Ca-buffers, however, will oppose and delay any changes in [Ca²⁺] in both compartments. We have developed a model describing the simultaneous diffusion of Ca 2+ , EGTA and CaEGTA between bath and ECS, and ECS and CS and the chemical reaction between ligand and metal species in each compartment. …

Conservation Tillage: Perceived And Actual Use, Elbert C. Dickey, Paul J. Jasa, Bryn J. Dolesh, Lisa A. Brown, S. Kay Rockwell

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A mail survey of farmers in Nebraska showed their perceived use of conservation tillage was about 55%. However, using the 30% residue cover criterion that the Conservation Tillage Information Center uses to define conservation tillage, a field survey of seven counties in 1984 showed that actual use of conservation tillage was less than 5%. Fewer than 20% of the producers surveyed had more than 20% residue cover remaining after tillage and planting. The field survey also showed disk tillage systems were used by almost 70% of the producers. The moldboard plow was used by only 15% of the producers, thus …

Colorimetric Assay For Methanesulfinic Acid In Biological Samples, Charles F. Babbs, Melissa J. Gale

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

We describe a simple colorimetric method to measure 30 to 300 M concentrations of sulfinic acids in biologic samples. The procedure employs the coupling reaction of an aromatic diazonium salt (Ar-N=N+) with the sulfinic acids (RSOOH) to produce a colored diazosulfone derivative (Ar-N=N-SOOR), which can be selectively extracted into an organic solvent. Linearity and noninterference by liver homogenate, phenols, amines, and thousand-fold or greater excesses of sulfate, thiol, and dimethyl sulfoxide are demonstrated. Sensitivity of the method is about 10 nmol per sample. Because methanesulfinic acid is the principal product of the action of hydroxyl radicals upon dimethyl sulfoxide, and …

Protection From Reperfusion Injury In The Isolated Rat Heart By Postischaemic Deferoxamine And Osypurinol Administration, Stephen F. Badylak, Abby Simmons, John Turek, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

The Langendorff isolated rat heart preparation was used to determine the effect of oxypurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, and deferoxamine, an iron binding agent, on the extent of myocardial reperfusion injury after 60 minutes of ischaemia. Thirty rats were divided into three groups of 10. and an isolated heart preparation made from each rat. The isolated hearts were perfused for 15 minutes with a modified Krebs-Henseleit perfusate solution to permit stabilisation of the preparation. Each heart was then subjected to 60 minutes of total ischaemia at 37°C followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion with either saline treated perfusate, oxypurinol treated …

Slope Length And Surface Residue Influences On Runoff And Erosion, John E. Gilley, S. C. Finkner, G. E. Varvel

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Runoff rate, runoff velocity , sediment concentration and soil loss rate of rills or overland flow channels were measured at selected downslope distances on plots with varying rates of sorghum and soybean residue, runoff rate, runoff velocity and soil loss rate usually increased with downslope distance. In general, the presence of greater amounts of crop residue reduced sediment concentration and soil loss rate along the entire slope length. Substantial variations in runoff rate, runoff velocity, sediment concentration and soil loss rate were found with downslope distance on some residue treatments.

Slot Injection Of Herbicides, Paul J. Jasa, Elbert C. Dickey, Thomas R. Peterson

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Injection of thiocarbamate herbicides into a slot created by a coulter was evaluated during a 3-year study in southeastern Nebraska. Control of shattercane, the dominant weed, with the slot injector was similar to conventional double disk incorporation. In both tilled and untilled surface conditions, the slot injector placed the herbicide into the soil with minimal disturbance of the soil and residue. Herbicides which are normally broadcast applied were band applied, reducing chemical costs by two-thirds.

A Mathematical Model For The Fate Of Hazardous Substances In Soil: Model Description And Experimental Results, W. Greeney, C. Caupp, Ronald C. Sims

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

A mathematical model (VIP) was developed and implemented for evaluating the fate of a hazardous substance in the unsaturated zone of the soil. The model simulates vadose zone processes including volatilization, degradation, adsorption/desorption, advection, and dispersion. Four physical phases in the vadose zone are considered including water, oil, soil grains, and soil-pore air (unsaturated pore space). The Vadose Zone Interactive Processes (VIP) model is appropriate for sites under RCRA and CERCLA (Superfund) categorization since site-specific soil-waste processes affecting transport of hazardous chemicals through the vadose zone are incorporated in the model. A RCRA land treatment system was chosen as the …

The Rate Of Benzo[A]Pyrene Apparent Loss In A Natural And Manure Amended Clay Loam Soil, M. P. Coover, Ronald C. Sims

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

A study was conducted to evaluate the rate of Benzo[a]pyrene apparent loss from a previously uncontaminated agricultural clay loam soil and to determine the effect of cow manure, as organic substrate amendment, on B[a]P apparent loss. Soil microcosms were spiked with 10 μg/g B[a]P and incubated at 20°C. Triplicate sets of microcosms were periodically removed from incubation and solvent extracted. Concentrations of B[a]P in the soil were determined by HPLC analysis of the extracts. Under the conditions of this study manure was an ineffective amendment for increasing the rate of B[a]P apparent loss in the Durant clay loam soil. In …

Human Health Effects Assays, Ronald C. Sims, J. L. Sims, R. R. Dupont

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Health risk assessment of individual environmental chemicals, risks of drinking water supplies, methods for evaluating toxicity, and structure-activity relationships and response-surface methodology represent the focus for 1986. A report of the Steering Committee on Identification of Toxic and Potentially Toxic Chemicals for Consideration by the National Toxicology Pro gram found that, for the majority of substances they examined, data essential for human health hazard assessment were lacking.¹ Milestone publications concerning human health effects aspects include works by Mortelmans et al,² Busch et al,³ Hartman et al,⁴ Rein,⁵ Gentile,⁶ Hodgson,⁷ and Tagashira and Omura. …

The Effect Of Temperature On Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Persistence In An Unacclimated Agricultural Soil, M. P. Coover, Ronald C. Sims

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the effect of temperature on the persistence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) incubated in an unacclimated agricultural sandy loam soil. Soil microcosms were spiked with 16 priority pollutant PAHs and placed in incubation chambers at 10, 20, and 30°C. Triplicate sets of microcosms at each temperature were periodically removed from incubation over the 240 day study period and solvent extracted. Concentrations of PAHs in the soil were determined by HPLC analysis of the extracts. Substantial loss of three-ring compounds was observed at all temperatures whereas there was very little apparent loss of five …