Nebraska Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting
Nebraska Wesleyan Campus, Lincoln
2007 Abstracts

SESSION A

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY
Brent Bowen and Shaun Giese, Aviation Institute, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

The Railway Labor Act outlines the public policy tenets pertaining to the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements in the airline industry. However, the airline collective bargaining environment has been structurally altered. Bankruptcy laws have been modified, the use of permanent replacement workers has been legitimized, and the airline industry has gone through economic deregulation. Given the influence of these elements on the collective bargaining landscape, a Policy Delphi has been constructed to determine what changes, if any, should be made to the current aviation policy regarding labor relations and collective bargaining in the airline industry. The qualitative methodology will employ a web-based survey to identify policy opinions associated with the primary research question. Results from the research will provide a foundation for determining future policy options associated with collective bargaining practices in the airline industry.

DEGRADATION OF MAGNESIUM FLUORIDE AR COATING IN SIMULATED LOW EARTH ORBIT CONDITIONS USING ELECTRON CYCLOTRON RESONANCE SYSTEM
Shuchi Sharma, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588

Satellites in the low Earth orbit (LEO) are powered by solar panels that are coated with anti-reflective (AR) coating to boost the power output of solar cells. The presence of atomic oxygen and ultraviolet radiation causes this environment to be harsh and highly corrosive, causing the degradation of the AR coating, thereby reducing the power generated by solar cells. An Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) system is used for laboratory simulation of LEO conditions, to study the degradation of Magnesium Fluoride (MgF 2) AR coating. Ceria (CeO 2) doped quartz (CMG), MgF 2 coated CMG and single crystal MgF 2 samples are used to compare and contrast the degradation of the AR coating. The effect on physical and optical properties of the samples, by enhancing\reducing temperature and ultraviolet radiation, is being studied.

ONE-DIMENSIONAL NECKLACE OF METAL NANOPARTICLES THAT EXHIBITS COULOMB BLOCKADE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE Jennifer Kane, Vivek Maheshwari, and Ravi F. Saraf, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures are attractive materials for fabricating electronic devices because the structure serves both as a device and circuit element to integrate external power source and extract the signal. Here we present an approach to self-assemble a 1D necklace of gold nanoparticles onto a chain of (flexible) polymer wherein the particles are then cemented with an inorganic material. The electrical properties of the cemented necklace exhibit the coulomb blockade effect, where the current through the necklace suddenly rises above a certain threshold biasing voltage, V T across the necklace. In our preliminary studies we have made two observations, (i) the V T is well above 1 V compared to 50 mV for a single particle, making the device operable at room temperature in contrast to current liquid nitrogen cooled devices; and (ii) the single electron 1D necklace is easy to integrate with standard microelectronics technology to build practical circuits.

EFFECT OF NON-LUMINOUS FLAME RADIATION DURING METHANOL DROPLET COMBUSTION
Raghavan Vasudevan and George Gogos, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588

The effect of non-luminous thermal radiation on suspended methanol droplet combustion in a low temperature environment is presented. A predictive, transient, two-phase, axisymmetric numerical model that includes surface tension effects and thermal radiation modeled using the optically thin approximation, is employed. Results for combustion in a quiescent atmosphere (initial Reynolds number 0.01) for initial droplet diameters in the range of 0.43 mm to 3 mm are presented. The results show that the effect of flame radiation is negligible when the initial droplet diameter is less than approximately 1 mm and becomes increasingly important afterwards. The average evaporation constant decreases with the initial droplet diameter. Radiative heat addition to the droplet surface is negligible when compared to the conductive heat addition. Both radiation and surface tension have a significant effect on the predicted extinction diameters of initially larger droplets. The extinction diameter presents a non-linear variation with the initial droplet diameter.

GEN2 RFID TECHNOLOGY: INVENTORY CONTROL ABOARD THE ISS?
Erick C. Jones and Nathan Nowak, Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588

With a near de-manning of the International Space Station (ISS) due to inaccurate inventory information and high levels of frustration due to lengthy inventory audits, an alternative method of inventory management and control needs to be evaluated. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an alternative inventory control application which could alleviate the pre-mentioned inventory issues facing astronauts aboard the ISS. The research methodology uses a modified sequential Design of Experiments (DOE) to verify if commercial off the shelf Gen2 RFID technology has the ability to be a feasible alternative for inventory control aboard the ISS. The results from the analysis were then compared with requirements provided by NASA to evaluate the practicability of using Gen2 RFID technology as inventory control application for the ISS.

MULTI-AGENT SWARMED SPACE EXPLORATION SYSTEM (MASSES)
Ross Bell, Department of Computer Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

Coordination of multiple spacecrafts using autonomous software is currently an active research topic for several NASA missions including the ANTS (Autonomous Nano-Technology Swarm) project for lunar, Mars, and asteroid exploration and the SensorWeb project for earth observation. In this paper, we report our research on a multi-agent swarm based system for space exploration called MASSES (Multi-agent Swarmed Space Exploration System). We have extended the software architecture of the ANTS system to define a hierarchical model of agents possessing different capabilities and functionalities. We are currently working on agent algorithms for self-adaptive network management, autonomous constellation formation, and dynamically adapting agents’ behavior. We will present a demonstration of a prototype system using the Webots robotic simulation platform within a simulated asteroid belt exploration scenario. The objective of our research is to show the feasibility of, and, address research issues involved in building a system of coordinating autonomous spacecrafts for space exploration.

SUSTAINABLILITY OF SMALL AIRCRAFT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Amy Mc Clean, School of Public Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed a twenty-five year strategic plan to develop a small aircraft transportation system (SATS). The goal of SATS is to create an air taxi transportation mode, which will allow consumers convenient access to suburban, rural, and remote communities. Recent air transportation trends suggest the market demand for a small aircraft transportation system is increasing in the United States and has led many researchers to examine if the proposed transportation system meets environmental, economic, financial, and social dimensions of transportation sustainability. This research will examine if current U.S. air transportation policies also hinder SATS sustainability.

KINEMATIC DESIGN, ANALYSIS, AND SIMULATION OF IN VIVO ROBOT FOR NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSSLUMENAL ENDOSOPIC SURGERY
Nathan Wood, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588

Design of an in vivo robot used to perform Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) was based on a seamless transition from existing procedures. Standard laproscopy techniques are highly successful and surgeons are skilled at using the existing tools, so kinematic models for the robot were developed that mimic the dexterity and capabilities of the tools. Intended use of the robot, whereby the robot is mounted to the stomach wall, introduces complications to the analysis because of the elasticity of the tissue. Simulations were run to determine the effect of the elasticity on robot operation. Analysis of the desired dextrous workspace of the kinematic model, as well as the interactions with the surroundings, yielded parameters that drove prototype designs.

INTELLIGENT TOOL FOR EMERGENCY SURGICAL TREATMENT DURING PAYLOAD-CRITICAL MISSIONS
David Miller, Carl Nelson, and Evan Luxon, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588

When undertaking extended missions on the International Space Station, the Lunar Base or manned missions to Mars proposed by President Bush in 2004, the chances of an otherwise minor injury becoming life threatening grow to be significant. In order to address these concerns, equipment must be provided to diagnose and treat a wide range of possible afflictions while direct contact with Earth-based physicians is impossible. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an excellent treatment option due to its history of decreasing trauma to patients and speeding recovery. In an effort to provide the maximum functionality for any given MIS procedure, an intelligent modular surgical system has been designed and is being further refined to assist surgeons and other practitioners during medical procedures without necessitating the inclusion of many different instruments. In addition to assisting surgeons, this system will take up almost 20% less space than the current traditional laparoscopic equivalents.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL INFANT SURGICAL TABLE FOR 4-DOF PATIENT MANIPULATION
Kimberly Ryland and Carl Nelson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, NE 68588; and Thomas Hejkal, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198

Retinopathy of Prematurity, caused by abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of premature infants, is a leading cause of childhood blindness. It is treated using laser photocoagulation. Current methods require the surgeon to assume awkward standing positions, which can result in injury if repeated often. To assist surgeons in providing quality care and prevent occupational injury, a new infant surgical table was designed. The engineered solution is an attachment to a standard surgical table, saving cost and space. This takes advantage of the adjustable height and tilt provided by the standard table, while 360° rotation designed into the attachment allows the surgeon to sit during surgery. The critical cords and tubes are routed through the attachment to avoid pulling and kinking. A four-bar locking mechanism allows easy attachment to standard medical railing. Finally, a straight line mechanism provides positive locking of the rotation, allowing precise positioning of the infant.

EFFECT OF CONTESTS ON TIMING OF ADJUSTMENT OF OFFSPRING NUMBER AND SIZE
Renae Rust and Claudia Rauter, Department of Biology , University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

Little is known how contests (i.e. fights over resources) influence offspring number and size. The objectives of this research are to determine 1) when burying beetles adjust offspring number and size and 2) whether intensity of contests affects the timing of the adjustment. I used a 2x8 factorial design with beetles reared at high and low density and eight time points where size and number of offspring had been determined. I hypothesized that 1) burying beetles adjust offspring number and size at the egg and larval stage and 2) beetles reared at high density adjust offspring number and size earlier. Results showed that at egg stage offspring number was not adjusted, but larval stage showed significant adjustment of offspring between population treatments. Also beetles reared at high density delayed oviposition of eggs, yet timing of adjustment of larva was not significant.

GAIT ADAPTATIONS IN PERSONS EXPERIENCING CLAUDICATION
Sara Myers and Nicholas Stergiou, School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

Astronauts during space missions are stationary. Literature has shown that this condition increases the risk of astronauts to develop vein thrombosis and claudication, which is ischemia related pain during walking. For astronauts to be able to walk during and after prolonged space missions, it is important to understand possible functional changes caused by claudication. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a pathology that causes claudication and allows us to study the resulting gait adaptations. Here we compared gait of PAD patients with healthy controls. Our results indicate that PAD patients experience more variable patterns than the healthy controls. These findings are similar to those found for the elderly population, which means individuals with claudication may be susceptible to the same gait problems as elderly (i.e. unsteadiness, falling).

THE PARMOTREMA PERFORATUM GROUP: A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD PROBLEM IN LINCHEN TAXONOMY
Todd Widhelm, Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

The Parmotrema perforatum group has been under taxonomic scrutiny since the observation that specimens varied in their production of secondary products called lichen acids. This work split the traditional two species P. perforatum (sexually reproducing) and P. hypotropum (asexually reproducing) into six species divided with three patterns of chemical variation termed chemotypes. Each chemotype has a species that reproduces sexually, possessing apothecia that disperse ascospores, and another species that reproduces asexually, possessing soralia that disperse fragments called soredia. Specimens collected today must have each thallus tested by thin layer chromatography to determine which lichen acids are present, and then these fragments must be sorted into the correct chemotype. These chemotypes may occur together even touching each other on a branch. The problem facing lichenologists today is how to interpret this pattern of chemical variation taxonomically in the Parmotrema perforatum group (i.e. whether to ignore chemical variation completely or not). To take a new approach to this problem, we have been working on a molecular project, in which the sequences of beta-tubulin genes have been phylogenetically tested to see whether the pattern of gene sequence variation agrees with the current six species taxonomy, or if the pattern agrees with the classic concept of P. perforatum and P. hypotropum based on mode of reproduction. A new grouping could even recognize three taxa based on chemistry, and each species would have two morphs, one with apothciea and one with soralia. A seventh variation is the chemotype containing alectoronic acid and norstictic acid. This has taxonomists wondering whether this variant should be considered another species, even though comparative morphological tests have demonstrated no significant variation in the spore dimensions, conidia length, and cilia length. We are also testing in this unnamed chemotype.

THE IMPACT OF ACCESS TO MUTUAL RESOURCES ON PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY
Brent Bowen and Nanette Scarpellini Metz, Aviation Institute, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

This study explores the impact of the access of mutual resources and organizational structure on developing and managing a network of public and private partners in the aviation industry. As a public agency the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) formed two aeronautical networks: the Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiments (AGATE) and the Small Aircraft Transportation System (SATS). Both networks involve general aviation with a vision of advancing the use of personal aircraft, such as the very light jets, as part of a nationwide transportation system. This study explores mutual resources, both financial and informational, as established by organizational and network structure. Through a review of archival documents and interviews with network members, the researcher will analyze the influence of resources on network effectiveness as determined by achieving stated objectives and the perception of network members. In developing a deeper knowledge of what elements promote effectiveness between the public and private sectors, this research is intended to discover the impact of organizational dynamics on public-private partnerships. The importance of public-private partnerships and aviation initiatives is advancing with government support.


SESSION B

CHARACTERIZING BONE FRAGILITY BY NANOINDENTATION
Benjamin J. Polly and Joseph A. Turner, Department of Engineering Mechanics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588; and Mohammed P. Akhter, Osteoporosis Research Center, Creighton, University, Omaha, NE 68178

Long-term exposure to a weightless (disuse) environment in astronauts and bed rest in patients causes skeletal fragility. The skeletal fragility resulting from decreased bone density and strength also depends on genetic background. Because fragile bone is prone to fracture, methods are needed to understand the real cause of bone fragility. We do not know how much the intrinsic material strength properties are affected by disuse and genetics. Once the intrinsic material strength properties are well understood with respect to any treatment, we can then develop methods to protect the skeletal health in people subjected to disuse. Nanoindentation is a viable method to quantify differences in intrinsic properties of bone tissue resulting from either disuse or drug treatment. The baseline intrinsic material strength properties (elastic modulus [E] and hardness [H]) of cortical and cancellous bone will be measured in adult mice representing high and low bone mineral density (BMD) genotypes.

IN-SITU AND REMOTE SENSING FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE ESTIMATION OF LEAF CHLOROPHYLL AND ANTHOCYANIN CONTENTS IN GRAPE LEAVES
Mark Steele, Don Rundquist, and Anatoly Gitelson, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588; and Paul Read, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588

Leaf pigments in grapevines, such as chlorophyll and anthocyanin, are important indicators of physiological variables affecting the quality of the juice and resulting wine. Indices based on in-situ and/or remotely sensed spectral data may provide the producer with an efficient, non-destructive method of monitoring pigment contents and the associated physiological status of the crop. The objectives of this project were: 1) to determine if a three-band spectrally based model is an effective model for estimation of leaf chlorophyll and/or anthocyanin content in grape leaves; 2) to identify the optimal band centers of a three-band model for estimating pigment contents; and 3) to compare the optimized models to other pigment-estimation models by calculating the root mean square error of prediction for each. Reflectance spectra and analytically measured chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents were collected from leaves sampled at James Arthur Vineyards, near Raymond, Nebraska. Spectral indices were calculated from reflectance measurements and compared to lab-derived pigment densities. Results indicate that a properly calibrated three-band index is an effective estimator of chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents. Application of the derived technique to airborne hyperspectral imagery is at a preliminary stage.  

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND TESTING OF A PORTABLE ANECHOIC CHAMBER
Keian Kirkegaard, Physics Department, Hastings College, Hastings, NE 68901

Sound is all around us. Many experiments, however, require an echo free environment where reflections are negligible. An anechoic chamber is a room in which all sound incident upon the interior walls is absorbed and all exterior sound is reflected/absorbed. A portable anechoic chamber was designed and constructed using common building materials. Upon completion, the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC) of the acoustic foam were determined and compared with the manufacturer’s values. The STC of the primary wall was determined and plotted as a function of position at 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. In addition, the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of a loud speaker and the acoustical interference between two loud speakers were measured.

QUARTERNARY LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION AND THE HUDSON-MENG BISON KILL SITE OF NORTHWESTWERN NEBRASKA, USA
Jennifer Balmat and Mark Leite, Geoscience Department, Chadron State College, Chadron, NE 69337

The Hudson-Meng bison kill site in northwestern Nebraska is a mass death assemblage of Bison antiquus important to archaeology because of its association with Alberta Tradition stone tools and points. The site is located in a dry upland setting in a north-flowing drainage. Field sedimentology and sieve analysis focused on identifying sedimentary units deposited before, during, and after deposition of the bison assemblage reveal four main units. Microscopic examination of the sediments leads to questions about the paleo-drainage patterns of western Nebraska and the Black Hills. Remote sensing is being used to study present drainage systems, look for evidence of paleo-drainage systems, and study structural trends.

NATIVE IMAGE/NASA: PROMOTING EARTH SCIENCE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES ON THE WINNEBAGO RESERVATION
Jan Bingen, Department of Computer Science, Little Priest Tribal College, Winnebago, NE 68071

Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC), a small, two-year college in northeast Nebraska houses Native IMAGE (Institute for Managing Applications in Geospatial Extension). Like most two-year colleges, LPTC struggles to provide its students with significant academic experiences in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum to ensure the success of those students. In today’s world it has become increasingly important for colleges and universities to introduce research experiences early in students’ programs. LPTC and Native IMAGE work to promote quality and distinction in educational measurements as well as to encourage original and significant research opportunities for their students. One goal is to support LPTC students in their academic endeavors and provide opportunities to carry out research under the mentorship of experienced research scientists. NASA and Nebraska Space Grant have been instrumental in the achievement of this goal. This presentation details student research successes which have resulted from these efforts.

NASA SATELLITE INVENTORY FOR WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
John Campbell, Department of Computer Science, Little Priest Tribal College, Winnebago, NE 68071

This study at NASA was created to develop a satellite inventory that would help the hydrological community in its efforts in developing a better understanding of land surface hydrological variables. The variables try to measure precipitation, water vapor, soil moisture, and sun radiance to name a few. The data and data products developed in this study can assist many users to develop systems to understand the water cycle; locally, regionally and globally. For the future, an integrated understanding from many disciplines must be developed and implemented to better understand water resources and disaster mitigation. This study can be used as a model to save lives and property for many people around the world.

UTILIZING TECHNOLOGY TO PROMOTE AND PRESERVE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE ON THE WINNEBAGO RESERVATION
Tamara Parker and Ryan J. Turner, Department of Computer Science, Little Priest Tribal College, Winnebago, NE 68071

The project will be created utilizing Alice Software and incorporating scenarios of probability in which multiple outcomes can be attained. Creating an interactive native game will help to promote culture to the local youth and preserve culture for generations to come. It may also meld the generation gap between elder and youth by learning the game together. By utilizing laws of probability and computer programming, with specific rules and devisable algorithms, a fun, educational and cultural tool is created. The possibility to create a native interactive game that is random in competition with the user or users helps to fuse local tradition with computer technology thereby preserving a piece of traditional culture for future generations.  

CATALOGING INDIGENOUS PLANTS OF THE WINNEBAGOINDIAN RESERVATION, WINNEBAGO, NEBRASKA
Natalie Davis, Native IMAGE, Little Priest Tribal College, Winnebago, NE 68071

The work done by Natalie Davis of Rosalie, Nebraska, for NASA Nebraska/EPSCoR is the compilation of nearly five years’ worth of research work, collecting material about those plants which are indigenous to the area, and which the HoChunk (Winnebago)Tribe in Nebraska used for food, medicine, and materials. Efforts are based on the 1910-11 work of Dr. Melvin Gilmore, a 1998 work by Daniel Moerman, and a 1998 paper on the HoChunk tribe of Wisconsin’s plant uses by Dr. Kelly Kindscher and Dana Hurlburt. In addition, this work seeks to expand the knowledge of the plant uses by the Ho-Chunk tribe in Nebraska, and its existence begs expansion and correction by those who read it. The catalog includes Latin name, Ho-Chunk name, common name, usually a description of the plant and usually a description of how it was or is used. Photos of plants on the reservation are included where possible. Descriptions of plant use given to the compiler by members of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska are quoted and included wherever possible. The finished product, over 80 pages long, will be a catalog of those plants, including photographs and descriptions and the uses to which the HoChunk Tribe put them. When that is not available specifically, material about the uses by neighboring plains or other tribes is included.

BLOOD CONSERVATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF BLOODLESS INTERVENTIONS
Luisa Rounds and June Eilers, College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198

Rising blood costs, blood safety concerns, health beliefs, and continuing blood shortages encourages the healthcare community to address blood conservation and restricted use of blood products. This integrated literature review identifies blood conservation and bloodless interventions to normalize hemoglobin and propose an evidence-based protocol. Data from more than 100 articles were compiled in an evidence based table to articulate the bloodless intervention, author/year, sample, limitations, and findings. The common interventions identified were cell salvage, aprotinin, colloids, growth factors, tranexamic acid, phlebotomy restrictions, and overlay autogenous tissue (OAT) patch. The interventions identify the nursing and medical staff expertise in transfusion-free medicine, careful planning, intensive teamwork, patient-specific customization, and integrated use of multimodal strategies within a framework of blood conservation. Integration of this evidence-based literature allows nurses to evaluate, support, teach, and advocate for blood conservation techniques.  

INFLUENCE OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR α ON PTGS2 EXPRESSION IN THE APC Min MOUSE
Alicia Cleveland, Kimberly K. Bynote, and Karen A. Gould, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, 68198

Previously, we have shown that Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is associated with enhanced intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc Min /+ (Min/+) mice, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and increased expression of the Wnt/β-catenin target genes Ccnd1, Gast, and Myc. Therefore, we evaluated another Wnt/β-catenin target gene, Ptgs2, a gene that is estrogen-regulated in some tissues and over-expressed in colorectal cancers. We hypothesize that Ptgs2 expression would be enhanced in intestinal epithelium of ERα-/- Min/+ mice compared to ERα+/+ Min/+ mice. However, our results indicated that there was no difference in Ptgs2 expression in this tissue in 80 day old ERα-/-Min/+ mice versus ERα+/+ Min/+ mice. We conclude that ERα deficiency is associated with increased expression of some but not all Wnt/β-catenin target genes in the intestinal epithelium at the time point examined. We postulate that Ptgs2 expression may be increased in the intestinal epithelium of ERα-/- Min/+ mice at a later time point.

CARBOHYDRATE ABSORPTION THROUGH THE ORAL MUCOSA
Ann Packard, Biology Department, Hastings College, Hastings, NE 68901

The carbohydrate requirement of endurance athletes is critical for optimal performance. However, ingestion of large amounts of sugar associated with the high carbohydrate requirement often leads to gastrointestinal discomfort. Alternative to the digestion route, such as oral absorption, are currently under investigation. The oral route offers a promising means of administration due to the structure of the epithelium, both keratinized and nonkeratinized. The oral mucosa is significantly more permeable than the skin and, in combination with absorption enhancers, are an effective way to administer a variety of drugs.  This study will investigate various carbohydrate compounds absorption in the oral mucosa in combination with different absorption enhancers.  Results and conclusions are pending and will be completed by the end of February.

HANDS-ON EXPERIMENTS: IMPROVING CHEMISTRY FOR NON-SCIENCE MAJORS
Jennifer S. Anit and Richard Pennington, Chemistry Department, College of Saint Mary, Omaha, NE 68106

Non-science students that have little or no chemistry background commonly create the misconception that chemistry is an extremely difficult subject to comprehend. The development of this project will help generate a laboratory manual consisting of interactive, hands-on experiments, which will guide students through the more challenging portions of general chemistry (these topics include limiting reagents, measurement in chemistry, redox reactions and acids and bases) at College of Saint Mary.  

PROMPT MUON AND NEUTRINOFLUX FROM HIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAY SHOWERS AND BACKGROUNDS AT NEUTRINO TELESCOPES
Gintaras K. Duda, Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178

Neutrino telescopes such AMANDA and the future km 3 sized detector ICECUBE in the Antarctic are opening a new window onto the Universe. Neutrino telescopes will shed light on some of the most interesting scientific questions of our era such as dark matter and astrophysical objects such as gamma ray bursters and supernova remnants, as well as probing theories of higher dimensions. However, the interaction of high energy cosmic rays in the atmosphere can create showers of highly energetic muons and neutrinos that can mimic expected signals in neutrino telescopes from interesting astrophysical sources. A well understood background can be subtracted from the high energy neutrino flux leaving only the desired signal from astronomically interesting events. Computer simulations of the fluxes of muons and neutrinos from cosmic rays will be presented, as well as progress towards the zenith angle dependence of the flux.  

MODEL INDEPENDENT FORM FACTORS FOR SPIN INDEPENDENT NEUTRALINO-NUCLEON SCATTERING
George Reifenberger and Gintaras Duda, Physics Department, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178

Theoretical calculations of neutralino cross sections with various nuclei are of great interest to direct dark matter searches such as CDMS, EDELWEISS, ZEPLIN, and other experiments. These cross sections and direct detection rates are generally computed with standard, one or two parameter model-dependent nuclear form factors, which may not exactly mirror the actual form factor for the particular nucleus in question. As is well known, elastic electron scattering can allow for very precise determinations of nuclear form factors and hence nuclear charge densities for spherical or near-spherical nuclei. We use charge densities derived from elastic electron scattering data to calculate model independent form factors for various target nuclei important in dark matter searches, such as Si, Ge, S, Ca and others. We have found that for nuclear recoils in the range of 1-100 keV significant differences in cross sections and rates exist when the model independent form factors are used. We will present quantitative uncertainties in detection rates due to nuclear form factors for current and proposed experiments in their relevant data-taking energy ranges.

COMMUNITY DIABETES HEALTH PRACTICES SURVEY TOOL
Jameca Price and Jennifer Larsen, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198; and Eyal Margalit, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. in individuals up to 65 years of age. As the incidence of diabetes is increasing, particularly at younger ages, the relative risk of this complication and the need for prevention strategies is also increased. The specific scientific objectives of the research are the following: 1. To assess baseline diabetic knowledge and current diabetes behaviors in patients with diabetes at community health fairs.2. To assess if the Community Diabetes Health Practices Survey tool is culturally acceptable. This is a pilot project that will be subsequently used for other projects, particularly aimed at improving eye screening in diabetes patients. It has been estimated that 100 patients should be surveyed to see significant differences in eye disease in any population chosen to be screened to ensure validity.

POSTER SESSION

VARIABILITY IN INBRED STRAINS OF MICE
Natalie A. Rasmussen and Claudia Chaperon, College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198

The extent to which temporal and genetic factors interact in affecting pain responses and gene expression in humans and mice has not been established. The objective of this proposal is to determine the contribution of genetic or individual variation to the modulation of circadian pain responses and gene expression in inbred mouse strains. Eight-week old, male C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice were used. The mice were maintained on a 12:12 light/dark cycle. The mice were acclimated to their environment for 1 week prior to measuring their pain response. Pain was measured at six times of the day using the hot-plate test. After the pain response was measured in each mouse, brain tissue was obtained for future microarray analysis. Strain differences in the pain response were noted. The expected contribution is that it will assist in the future development of an algorithm for the individualized administration of analgesics. 

CREATION OF A GPS WORKSHOP AT NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tiffany May, Department of Agriculture, Health, and Science, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE 68702

Northeast Community College (NECC) does not have any class specific to geospatial technologies. In an attempt to bring more geospatial educational experiences to the service area, an all day, hands-on GPS navigation workshop has been created. Lesson plans include using a PowerPoint slideshow covering the history of navigation, each student using a compass to learn how to use it, another PowerPoint explaining how GPS (Global Positioning System) works, demonstration on how to use the Garmin GPS units outside, and a hands-on outside experience using a handheld GPS unit. Students participate in a treasure hunt using the handheld units to demonstrate the skills they have learned. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the NECC campus. Participants have included 8 th and 9 th graders and NECC sophomore drafting students. For the future, the workshop has the potential to educate students starting at the 5 th and 6 th grade levels through adults, both traditional college age and non-traditional.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE NASA NEBRASKA SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM
Michaela Schaaf,Melissa Wurdeman, and Joseph Rotterdam, Aviation Institute, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

A main thrust of the NASA Nebraska Space Grant Consortium is to provide workforce development opportunities for students to engage with industry, NASA, and government agencies. Through the scholarship and fellowship program, college and university students in Nebraska are eligible to apply for experiences such as summer internships at NASA Field Centers, internships with local industry and agencies, and enrichment experiences such as the University Aviation Association Aviation Policy Seminar. The UAA conference allows students unprecedented access to aviation industry leaders and policymakers during an intensive week in Washington, D.C. A follow-up study on student engagement in the industry is planned with colleagues from Bowling Green State University and Daniel Webster College to ascertain the impact of this workforce development activity on past participants.

MAP@SYST: GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS FOR RURAL AND COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY
Karisa Vlasek, NASA Nebraska Space Grant Consortium, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182

Rural communities across the nation are facing many new challenges related to agricultural sustainability, natural resource health, disasters, human health, disease management, business diversification, agriculture efficiency, and long term growth and planning. Many of the questions facing rural communities deal with long term land use. There is a drive towards finding and using the best available information to assist in the decision process. Some of the most promising tools for supporting local decision-making include geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and remote sensing. These tools are becoming increasingly important for communities and decision-makers to address the complex tasks of discovering, managing, maintaining, and improving rural lands and communities. Geospatial technologies provide a best practice solution to organize and report timely science-based data and information that have an economic and social impact on user adoption to community planning. Map@Syst is an innovative approach to disseminating these geospatial technologies through a program called eXtension. This national program is funded by USDA/Cooperative Extension and utilizes the resources of the World Wide Web. Geospatial Extension Specialists (GES) from 14 states are spearheading the Map@Syst project.