Engineering Commons^™

Nanostructured Columnar Thin Films Using Oblique Angle Deposition: Growth, Sers Characterization And Lithographic Processing, Piyush J. Shah

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Oblique angle physical vapor deposition technique has led to the evolution of new class of nanostructured thin films. These films posses' novel anisotropic electrical, magnetic, optical, properties which could be potentially engineered based on the growth conditions and the deposition parameters. The technique is based on the atomistic level self-shadowing principle. In the oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique, the substrate is held at an oblique angle with respect to the incoming vapor flux. As the vapor atoms condense and nucleate on the substrate, the shadowed regions behind each site stop receiving the subsequent vapor atoms. Instead, they land on the …

Application Of Auto-Tracking To The Study Of Insect Body Kinematics In Maneuver Flight, Shreyas Vathul Subramanian

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There is a need to explain the complex phenomena that underlies the seemingly effortless flight modes of the dragonfly (Infra -order Anisoptera). However, measuring the body kinematics during flight is labor intensive. Thus a robust system was developed that automatically tracks and quantifies the body kinematics of a dragonfly during voluntary and escape take-offs, as well as maneuvers. Ultimately, the tool, which was developed using a custom code in C++ using the open source library OpenCV (Open Computer Vision), would be used to analyze bulk samples of high speed videos providing raw images at the rate of approximately 1000 frames …

Extension Of Polar Format Scene Size Limits To Squinted Geometries, Matthew Steven Horvath

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The Polar Format Algorithm (PFA) is an often used algorithm to image synthetic aperture radar (SAR) phase history data. The algorithm relies on a far-field approximation wherein the curved wavefront of the transmitted pulses is approximated as a planar wavefront, introducing spatially variant phase errors in the phase history. While allowing for faster image formation compared to more exact imaging algorithms such as convolution backprojection, these phase errors lead to the distortion and defocus of point targets, degrading the quality of the resulting imaged scene.

Historically, a Taylor expansion has been used to approximate the phase errors leading to distortion …

Use Of Exploratory Data-Mining Techniques To Analyze Associations Between Bone-Mineral Density And Relevant Clinical Parameters Of Gaucher Disease, Tingting Fu

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Gaucher disease (GD) is a monogenic disorder with autosomal recessive inheritance, which results from an acid lysosomal hydrolase, the beta-glucocerebrosidase deficiency. Clinical manifestations of the disease include anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and skeletal complications. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been used to treat type 1 GD for more than a decade, and many patients have shown remarkable clinical responses to the treatment, with normalization of blood counts, reduction in liver and spleen size, and improvement in bone symptoms. Many researchers have tried to study the effectiveness of ERT, but previous research has been mainly based on some predetermined hypotheses and traditional …

A Mechanism-Based Model To Describe Gabaa Receptor Trafficking And Benzodiazepine Pharmacoresistance During Status Epilepticus, Elaine Alice Merrill

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Status epilepticus (SE) is a perplexing pathology involving a sudden and long disruption of the brain's normal electrical activity. The study of relevant cellular processes has been useful in identifying therapeutic targets. As a result, many novel drugs are being studied which target receptor systems involved in neuronal membrane excitability. Yet, the standard treatment for SE remains benzodiazepines (BZs), a class of GABAA agonist drugs. Unfortunately, the targeted receptors undergo a desensitization mechanism via enhanced endocytosis (receptor trafficking), leading to rapidly reduced BZ efficacy (pharmacoresistance) within minutes of seizure onset. A comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between the anticonvulsant's …

Winding Resistance And Winding Power Loss Of High-Frequency Power Inductors, Rafal P. Wojda

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The scope of this research is concentrated on analytical winding size optimization (thickness or diameter) of high-frequency power inductors wound with foil, solid-round wire, multi-strand wire, and litz-wire conductors.

The first part of this research concerns analytical optimization of the winding size (thickness or diameter) for the inductors conducting a sinusoidal current. Estimation of winding resistance in individual inductor layers made of foil, taking into account the skin and proximity effects is performed. Approximated equations for the winding power loss in each layer are given and the optimal values of foil thickness for each layer are derived.

A low- and …

Quantification Of Multiple Types Of Uncertainty In Physics-Based Simulation, Inseok Park

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In general, more than one simulation model can be created to analyze and design engineering systems. Uncertainty is inevitably involved in selecting a single best approximating model from among a set of simulation models. Uncertainty in model selection (called model-form uncertainty in the present research) cannot be ignored, especially when the differences between the predictions by plausible models are significant. Also, each simulation model involves uncertainty in its input parameters and unknown errors in its predictions of system responses. A methodology is developed to quantify model-form uncertainty using the differences between experimental data measured from an engineering system and model …

Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar And Video Fusion For Simultaneous Localization And Mapping, Andrew Stephen Kondrath

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There has been a push recently to develop technology to enable the use of UAVs in GPS-denied environments. As UAVs become smaller, there is a need to reduce the number and sizes of sensor systems on board. A video camera on a UAV can serve multiple purposes. It can return imagery for processing by human users. The highly accurate bearing information provided by video makes it a useful tool to be incorporated into a navigation and tracking system. Radars can provide information about the types of objects in a scene and can operate in adverse weather conditions. The range and …

Regulation Of The Dna Unwinding Element Binding Protein Due-B In The Cell, Yanzhe Gao

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Eukaryotic cells have evolved tightly controlled processes that make sure the entire genome gets replicated accurately, once per cell cycle. This tight control is fulfilled by degrading replication proteins after their function is carried out, changing their cellular location or by post-translational modification of replication factors to regulate their function. Phosphorylation events carried out by CDKs (cyclin dependent kinases) and DDKs (Dbf4 dependent kinases) play crucial roles in this regulation.

The DNA unwinding element binding protein (DUE-B) is an essential replication protein that binds to the human c-myc DNA replication origin. In this study, I find that DUE-B is also …

Inventory Systems With Transshipments And Quantity Discounts, Gregory Daniel Noble

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This research advances knowledge in the area of inventory systems and the relationship between competing retailers and suppliers of goods. This dissertation studies retailers that face uncertainty in the demand for goods and who purchase the goods from a single supplier. A game theoretic methodology is developed to analyze supplier pricing decisions and retailer quantity decisions and interactions in a competitive transshipment system where quantity discounts are offered. The system studied differs from previous work in the subject by introducing quantity discounts from supplier to retailer into a system of competitive retailers that transship stock. Analysis of these systems focuses …

Uhf-Sar And Lidar Complementary Sensor Fusion For Unexploded Buried Munitions Detection, Randy S. Depoy Jr.

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Given the UHF bands properties of foliage and round penetration, a UHF-SAR image contains both above- and below-surface scatterers. The problem of detecting sub-surface objects is problematic due to the presence of above-surface scatterers in the detection images. In case of a single-pass anomaly image or a two-pass change image, the resulting anomalies or changes are due to scatterers above and below the surface, where the above surface anomalies/changes act as confusers. LIDAR digital elevation models (DEM) provide georegistered information about the above-surface objects present in the UHF-SAR scene. Detection of the above-surface objects in the LIDAR domain is used …

Compact Leaky Wave Antenna Using Ferroelectric Materials, Hyung Min Jeon

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Leaky wave antenna continuously attracts a lot interests for tuning the radiation direction over a large angle. Various types of leaky wave antenna have been developed since 1940. However, most of these leaky wave antennas suffered from their excessive volume and the required wide range of operating frequency (bandwidth) to achieve a large tuning angle. To circumvent these challenges, research in this thesis is focused on implementation of material (like PZT) with high dielectric constant (k) in a rectangular waveguide leaky wave antenna. Due to the high dielectric constant of PZT ~ 1,900, the propagation wavelength in the waveguide can …

Characterization, Stability, And Transport Through Defects In Graphene Nanoribbons, Sri Krishna Divya Pemmaraju

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Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) constitute a new class of nanostructured materials with unique properties and significant potential for applications. During production of GNRs, defects are generally introduced within the lattice. Assessment of defects' stability and characterization of their effects on GNRs are therefore very important for predicting GNRs performance under realistic circumstances. Here we consider various possible defects, namely the ones caused by removal/addition of carbon atoms from/to the lattice as well as those caused by bond rotation/rearrangement. Our study is based on ab initio geometry optimization and electronic structure calculations. We determine which defects can be stable in graphene nanoflakes …

Optimization Of Spectrum Allocation In Cognitive Radio And Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks, Tao Zhang

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Spectrum has become a treasured commodity. However, many licensed frequency bands exclusively assigned to the primary license holders (also called primary users) remain relatively unused or under-utilized for most of the time. Allowing other users (also called secondary users) without a license to operate in these bands with no interference becomes a promising way to satisfy the fast growing needs for frequency spectrum resources. A cognitive radio adapts to the environment it operates in by sensing the spectrum and quickly decides on appropriate frequency bands and transmission parameters to use in order to achieve certain performance goals. One of the …

Mandibular Bone Mechanics And Evaluation Of Temporomandibular Joint Devices, Shirishkumar Marutirao Ingawale

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Knowledge of the mandibular and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) biomechanics is of importance in various clinical scenarios as it helps better understanding of the structure and function necessary to diagnose, prevent, and treat temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The objectives of this dissertation research were to characterize biomechanical behavior of cadaveric human mandible, and to design and analyze patient-specific total TMJ prostheses. We performed a combined experimental-numerical study to validate the finite element (FE) models of 16 cadaveric human mandibles by comparing strain gauge measurements with FE-predicted surface strains. Analysis of experimental data showed that strains at the condylar locations were significantly different …

Molecular Diffusion And Slip Boundary Conditions At Smooth Surfaces With Periodic And Random Nanoscale Textures, Nikolai V. Priezjev

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The influence of periodic and random surface textures on the flow structure and effective slip length in Newtonian fluids is investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We consider a situation where the typical pattern size is smaller than the channel height and the local boundary conditions at wetting and nonwetting regions are characterized by finite slip lengths. In case of anisotropic patterns, transverse flow profiles are reported for flows over alternating stripes of different wettability when the shear flow direction is misaligned with respect to the stripe orientation. The angular dependence of the effective slip length obtained from MD simulations …

Revised Reference Curves For Bone Mineral Content And Areal Bone Mineral Density According To Age And Sex For Black And Non-Black Children: Results Of The Bone Mineral Density In Childhood Study, Babette S. Zemel, Heidi J. Kalkwarf, Vicente Gilsanz, Joan M. Lappe, Sharon Oberfield, John A. Shepherd, Margaret M. Frederick, Xangke Huang, Ming Lu, Soroosh Mahboubi, Thomas N. Hangartner, Karen K. Winer

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

Context: Deficits in bone acquisition during growth may increase fracture risk. Assessment of bone health during childhood requires appropriate reference values relative to age, sex, and population ancestry to identify bone deficits.

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide revised and extended reference curves for bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in children.

Design: The Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Study was a multicenter longitudinal study with annual assessments for up to 7 yr.

Setting: The study was conducted at five clinical centers in the United States.

Participants: Two thousand fourteen healthy children (992 …

Ceg 361/561-01: Introduction To Software Testing, John A. Reisner

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course covers software testing strategies, along with established best practices, so students team how to test their software in a complete and systematic (vice ad-hoc) manner. Particular attention is paid to planning, writing, and executing software tests, along with associated documentation, (i.e., a software test plan), which includes documented results. Various projects are assigned, designed to illustrate various challenges associated with software testing, and to reinforce the strategies and techniques used to overcome these challenges.

Ceg 702-01: Advanced Communication Networks, Bin Wang

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This is a graduate level course on advanced computer communication and networking technologies. The course involves both a reading/lecture/discussion component and a project component. We will read papers on various aspects of advanced computer networking: LAN/WAN technologies, congestion/flow control, self-similar traffic analysis, queuing theory, link scheduling, routing, internetworking, multicast, wireless technologies, quality of services, and peer-to-peer networks. Various technical and research issues involved will be studied in depth.

Ceg 724-01: Computer Vision I, Arthur A. Goshtasby

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course covers basic algorithms for low-level and mid-level vision. The algorithm; deal with edge detection and image segmentation, feature detection and matching, and image alignment. Also covered in the course are structure from motion, dense motion estimation, and stereo depth percepti011

Ceg 2350: Os Concepts And Usage, Prabhaker Mateti

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

Introduction to Linux and Windows systems. GUT and Windowing Systems. Files and Directories. Ownership and Sharing. Programs and Processes. System calls, Libraries. Loading. Dynamic linking. Command Line Shells. Scripting languages. Regular expressions. Clients and Servers. Web browser clients and servers. Secure shell, sftp. SSL/TSL. HTTPS. System Administration. 4 credit hours. 3 hours lectures, 2 hours labs. Prerequisites: CS 240 or CS 220 or equivalent.

Ceg 260-01: Digital Computer Hardware And Switching Circuits, John C. Gallagher

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course covers the design and analysis of basic digital circuits for computation. Topics will Include number systems, basic Boolean algebra, combinational circuit design and analysis, basic Medium Scale Integration (MSI) components, basic memory devices, basic sequential circuits, and binary arithmetic. At the end of this course you should be able to design, optimize, and Implement combinational logic for a variety of applications. You should also be familiar with basic MSI components and sequential circuit concepts In preparation for more advanced study of computer architecture, sequential circuit analysis, design, and optimization.

Ceg 402/602-01: Introduction To Computer Communication, Bin Wang

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course provides an introduction to basic concepts of communication networks, different types of networks, protocols over different layers, and network applications through lectures, labs, homework, and reading on relevant materials. You will
•Understand networking principles, protocols, and technologies.
•Understand some design and performance issues involved in providing a network service.
•Acquire background for supporting e-commerce, e-government, and e-education.
•Gain hands-on experience with programming techniques for network protocols.
•Obtain background for original research in computer networks.

Cs 208: Computer Programming For Business I, David M. Hutchison

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

CS 208 Is the first In a sequence of two programming classes required for MIS majors. This course will Introduce students to the basic concepts of programming. Examples are from business applications and display graphics and emphasis Is on problem solving with the computer as a tool.

Cs/Mth 316/516: Survey Of Numerical Methods For Computational Science, Michael Linger

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

Introduction to numerical methods used in the sciences and engineering. Included will be methods for interpolation, data smoothing, integration, differentiation, and solution of systems of linear and nonlinear equations. Discussion of sources of error in numerical methods. Applications to science, engineering and applied mathematics are an integral part of the course. Special topics presented as schedule permits. Four hours lecture.

Cs 400/600: Data Structures And Software Design, Meilin Liu

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This is a fundamental course for students majoring in Computer Science. Students will learn: basic algorithm analysis techniques; asymptotic complexity; big-0 and big-Omega notations; efficient algorithms for discrete structures including lists, trees, stacks, and graphs; fundamental computing algorithms including sorting, searching, and hashing techniques.

Cs 340: Programming Language Workshop In Python, Krishnaprasad Thirunarayan

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course is designed as a self-study in Python. You are expected to learn the language and solve a set of programming problems assigned to you from Budd's text using Python available from http://www.python.org. There are no exams. We officially meet only once in the quarter. However, I will be available in the posted office hours for clarifications and discussions about the programming problems.

Cs/Mth 410/610-01: Theoretical Foundations Of Computing, Sarah Gothard

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

Turing machines; partial-recursive functions; equivalence of computing paradigms; Church-Turing thesis; undecidability; intractability. Four hours lecture.

Cs 214: Visual Basic Programming, Eric Saunders

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course will cover the fundamentals of object-oriented computer programming; with an emphasis on design, structure, debugging, and testing. Visual Basic 2010 will be used for developing programs.

Cs 400/600: Date Structures And Algorithms, Keke Chen

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course will cover the introduction to the fundamentals of algorithm design and analysis, the implementation of classical data structures and control structures, and the basic problem solving techniques.