Digital Commons Network^™

Sensitivity Analysis For Hierarchical Decision Models, Hongyi Chen

Dissertations and Theses

In this dissertation, a comprehensive algorithm is developed to analyze the sensitivity of hierarchical decision models (HDM), which include the well-known analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and its variants, to single and multiple changes in the local contribution matrices at any level of the decision hierarchy. The algorithm is applicable to all HDM that use an additive function to derive the overall contribution vector. It is independent of pairwise comparison scales, judgment quantification techniques and group opinion combining methods. The direct impact of changes to a local contribution value on decision alternatives' overall contributions, allowable range/region of perturbations, contribution tolerance, operating …

Systems Metaphysics: A Bridge From Science To Religion, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

'Systems theory' is familiar to many as the scientific enterprise that includes the study of chaos, networks, and complex adaptive systems. It is less widely appreciated that the systems research program offers a world view that transcends the individual scientific disciplines. We do not live, as some argue, in a post-metaphysical age, but rather at a time when a new metaphysics is being constructed. This metaphysics is scientific and derives from graph theory, information theory, non-linear dynamics, decision theory, game theory, generalized evolution, and other transdisciplinary theories. These 'systems' theories focus on form and process, independent of materiality; they are …

Healthy Eating Active Living: A Project Of The Spring 2007 North Portland Asset Mapping Capstone, Andrew Clarke, Melissa Lindsey, Greg Waite, Robert Y. Lee

Asset Mapping: Community Geography Project

Our mission is to identify, map, and link assets that promote healthy eating and active living in St. Johns and Portsmouth. This study will target young families with the intent of creating a tool that will aid in defining incentives and barriers for the community.

Systems Metaphysics: A Bridge From Science To Religion [Presentation], Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

'Systems theory' is familiar to many as the scientific enterprise that includes the study of chaos, networks, and complex adaptive systems. It is less widely appreciated that the systems research program offers a world view that transcends the individual scientific disciplines. We do not live, as some argue, in a post-metaphysical age, but rather at a time when a new metaphysics is being constructed. This metaphysics is scientific and derives from graph theory, information theory, non-linear dynamics, decision theory, game theory, generalized evolution, and other transdisciplinary theories. These 'systems' theories focus on form and process, independent of materiality; they are …

Modeling Effects Of Channel Complexity And Hyporheic Flow On Stream Temperatures, Chris Berger, Scott A. Wells

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Stream temperatures are affected by multiple forcing functions, including surface heat exchange (including solar radiation, evaporation, conduction, and net long wave radiation) and hyporheic flows. Each of these forcing functions is directly influenced by the level of channel complexity in the stream channel and riparian shading. The interrelationship between channel complexity, hyporheic flow and stream temperature is highly complex, and efforts to manage for habitat diversity by managing channel complexity could result in unintended consequences on stream temperature. When planning modifications to stream channel complexity, consideration should be given to the effects such moderations could have on stream temperatures.

Urbanization …

Albumin-Binding Paracest Agents, M. Meser Ali, Mark Woods, Eul Hyun Suh, Zoltan Kovacs, Gyula Tircsó, Piyu Zhao, Vikram D. Kodibagkar, A. Dean Sherry

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Lanthanide complexes (Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺ and Yb³⁺) of two different 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid tetraamide derivatives containing two (2) and four (3) O-benzyl-L-serine amide substituents were synthesized and their chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and relaxometric properties were examined in the presence and absence of human serum albumin (HSA). Both Eu2 and Eu3 display a significant CEST effect from a single slowly exchanging Eu³⁺-bound water molecule, making these PARACEST complexes potentially useful as vascular MRI agents. Yb2 also showed a detectable CEST effect from both the Yb³⁺-bound water protons and the …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Hybrid Control Systems, Anca Georgeta Williams

Dissertations and Theses

Hybrid Control Systems are increasingly investigated as models for control systems where the interaction between continuous and discrete processes is tightly integrated. As yet, there is no general agreement as to what constitutes a canonical hybrid system. Rather various subclasses of systems combining continuous evolution and discrete event characteristics are analyzed for each application. In this dissertation we first unify the presentation of hybrid systems with a rich model which encompasses most examples of interest. We classify the available results and show how they fit together within the different subcategories. In the main part of the dissertation we prove that …

The Effects Of Coypu Myocaster Coypus (Nutria) Trapping On The Water Quality Of South Johnson Creek, Beaverton, Oregon, Deborah Jean Frankel

Dissertations and Theses

Nutria are semi-aquatic rodents, non-native to Oregon. They are an invasive species that damage stream banks with burrowing and cause destruction of native vegetation; activity that may cause deterioration of stream water quality. I hypothesized that my study's duration and pattern of nutria trapping along South Johnson Creek would be sufficient to lead to a significant change in turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), total solids (TS), and total suspended solids (TSS).

Exploring Strategies For Integrated Information Literacy: From "Academic Champions" To Institution-Wide Change, Claire Mcguinness

Communications in Information Literacy

In this paper, the author critically reviews the strategies that have been adopted by librarians to secure academic support for curriculum-integrated information literacy (IL) instruction, and questions whether the popular approach of targeting individual academics offers a suitable foundation for the establishment of long-term IL programs. The paper suggests that librarians should instead align their IL objectives with the overall academic mission of their institutions and seek out the means to effect a more wide-ranging change in the academic culture, where IL is recognized as a core educational value. Several strategies are suggested by which this aim may be achieved.

Microbial Biosignatures In High-Iron Thermal Springs, Mary Nichole Parenteau

Dissertations and Theses

Debate exists regarding whether abiotic or biotic mechanisms were responsible for the oxidation of Fe²+ and the subsequent accumulation of ferric (Fe³+) iron assemblages in Precambrian Banded Iron Formations (BIFs). Direct paleontological evidence for a microbial role in the deposition of BIFs has been sought in the occurrence of microfossils and lipid biomarkers in these structures.

This study has characterized the formation of such biosignatures in modern iron deposits. The metabolic impact of microbes on Fe2+ oxidation in this system has previously been described (Pierson et al., 1999; Pierson and Parenteau, 2000). Cyanobacterial and filamentous anoxygenic …

Portland State Magazine, Portland State University. Office Of University Communications

Portland State Magazine

PSU’s alumni magazine, published 2-3 times a year. In this issue: President Dan Bernstine is leaving a legacy of growth and pride; controversy again surrounds Aslam Khalil’s research on methane; a PSU-based program is making huge strides in helping teen offenders; and more.

Non-Thiol Reagents Regulate Ryanodine Receptor Function By Redox Interactions That Modify Reactive Thiols, Benjamin S. Marinov, Rotimi O. Olojo, Ruohong Xia, Jonathan J. Abramson

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Ca(2+) release channel (CRC) from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is rich in thiol groups, and their oxidation/- reduction by thiol reagents activates/inhibits the CRC. Most channel regulators are not thiol reagents, and the mechanism of their action is illusive. Here the authors show that many channel activators act as electron acceptors, while many channel inhibitors act as electron donors in free radical reactions. The channel activator, caffeine, and the CRC inhibitor, tetracaine, are shown to interact competitively, which suggests that there exists a common site(s) on the CRC, that integrates the donor/acceptor effects of ligands. Moreover, channel activators shift the …

Thin Film Solar Cells Using Zno Nanowires, Organic Semiconductors And Quantum Dots, Kaitlyn Vansant

Dissertations and Theses

A thin film organic/ inorganic hybrid solar cell was fabricated by incorporating ZnO nanowires, n- and p-type organic semiconductors and inorganic quantum dots. The basic cell design involved the electrodeposition of ZnO nanowires grown on a substrate coated with a transparent conductive oxide. The ZnO nanowires were coated with a thin layer of an organic n-type material, followed by a deposition of inorganic quantum dots. A p-type polymer layer was subsequently deposited and the sample was then contacted with gold to form a quantum dot layer sandwiched between a p-n junction of organic conductive materials.

Various materials and processing methods …

A Multilevel Analysis Of Individual And Organizational-Level Effects On Staff Attitudes Towards Use Of Medication In Substance Abuse Treatment, John Patrick Fitzgerald

Dissertations and Theses

Studies consistently indicate a general lack of support for use of medications in the treatment of substance abuse disorders by clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders involved in treatment. Both individual and organizational factors have been shown to influence attitudes towards medications, but the relative contribution of each of these factors remains unclear. Whereas previous studies, by their very design, have generated multilevel data structures, they nevertheless have employed analytic strategies that ignore the multilevel dependencies inherent in such data sets.

To address these limitations, this study took a multilevel approach to investigate the influence of individual and organizational factors on …

Selected Chemistry Of Biologically-Active Thiols : N-Acetylpenicillamine And 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole In Nitrosothiol Formation And Role In Allergic Contact Dermatitis Respectively, Itai Chipinda

Dissertations and Theses

Two biologically-active thiols, N-acetylpenicillamine (NAP) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), were studied in this thesis. NAP is known to combine with nitric oxide (NO) to produce S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and MBT is a known allergen.

The formation, reaction dynamics, and detailed kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between nitrous acid (HNO2), prepared in situ, and NAP to produce SNAP were studied. The reaction is first order in nitrite, NAP and acid in pH conditions at or slightly higher than the pKa of HNO2. Both HPLC and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry techniques confirmed the formation of SNAP and the absence of any other products. …

Faculty Senate Monthly Packet April 2007, Portland State University Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Monthly Packets

The April 2007 Monthly packet includes the April agenda and appendices and the Faculty Senate minutes and attachments from the meeting held March 2007

Riparian Shade Assessment And Restoration Priorities Analysis In The Damascus Urban Growth Boundary Expansion Area, Robin K. Leferink

Environmental Science and Management Professional Master's Project Reports

An important component of progressive urban planning is the protection and restoration of riparian environments, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where increasing stream temperatures threaten the survival of endangered salmonids and other cold-water biota. Restoration projects are often led by watershed councils or other grassroots organizations with limited resources, and it is essential that these groups have an efficient and effective approach to determine priority areas where their efforts can be directed to achieve the greatest ecological benefit. The purpose of this project was to quantify existing riparian shade levels and identify priority reaches for shade restoration on Clackamas River …

Pointing Users Toward Citation Searching: Using Google Scholar And Web Of Science, Robert Schroeder

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Since April 2005, 10 studies have been published that directly compare the citation features of Google Scholar to those of Web of Science. In an effort to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of these tools, the author undertook an investigation of this research. Although the parameters of the studies varied greatly with respect to the disciplines, dates, and sample sizes, analysis of these preliminary studies can help us gain an initial—albeit sketchy—impression of the relative strength and weakness of each service. The results of this effort are reported here as an informal meta-analysis, followed by some recommendations for utilizing …

Systems Ideas And Sustainability, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Slides from a presentation that provides an outline of ideas to understand how systems science and systems theory is related to, and can work for, sustainability. It illustrates how sustainability requires input from many disciplines, including graph theory, game theory, and thermodynamics, and is dependent on theories from ecology, sociology, and history.

Spontaneous Mode Locking In Mixed-Broadened Laser Oscillators, Pitak Chenkosol, Lee W. Casperson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A theoretical model is reported for spontaneous mode locking in mixed-broadened laser oscillators. Experimental observations of this effect have been available for many years, but no rigorous interpretation has been given. Numerical calculations emphasize the case of a high-gain xenon laser, for which extensive experimental data have been published. Complex pulsation characteristics are observed as the cavity length and pumping rate are varied, and the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Faculty Senate Monthly Packet March 2007, Portland State University Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Monthly Packets

The March 2007 Monthly packet includes the March agenda and appendices and the Faculty Senate minutes and attachments from the meeting held February 2007

Lake Roosevelt Water Quality And Hydrodynamic Model Calibration With Fish Bioenergetics, Michael Lee Mckillip

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

An understanding of the effects of hydrodynamics and reservoir operations on the Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake (Lake Roosevelt) aquatic food web allows for better management of the reservoir. A CE-QUAL-W2, v.3.5, hydrodynamic and water quality model (Cole and Wells, 20061) is being applied to the reservoir. The models zooplankton algorithms are expanded and a fish bioenergetics model is incorporated. The Lake Roosevelt model extent is shown in Figure 1. The model includes the lacustrine arms up to full pool on the Sanpoil, Kettle, and Colville Rivers; the Spokane River arm up to Little Falls Dam; and the Columbia River from …

Invasive Cordgrasses - Spartina Species - Estuarine Invaders!, Vanessa Howard

Center for Lakes and Reservoirs Publications and Presentations

Brochure on invasive Spartina

Seasonal Changes In Allocation, Growth, And Photosynthetic Responses Of The Submersed Macrophyte Egeria Densa Planch. (Hydrocharitaceae) From Oregon And California, Toni Garrett Pennington

Dissertations and Theses

Many rooted macrophytes form a dense canopy on the water surface that is detrimental to aquatic organisms, water quality, navigation, and recreation. Control of invasive macrophytes may be improved when management activities are linked to the plant's biology. The purpose of this research was to evaluate seasonal changes in the morphology, growth rates, allocation patterns and photosynthetic responses of a clonal submersed macrophyte. Egeria densa Planch. (Hydrocharitaceae) is highly invasive in the USA where it forms dense surface canopies in freshwater ecosystems. Using E. densa the following hypotheses were evaluated: (1) flowering stems have reduced capacity for vegetative growth as …

A Bridge To Coordination Isomer Selection In Lanthanide(Iii) Dota-Tetraamide Complexes, Jeff Vipond, Mark Woods, Piyu Zhao, Gyula Tircsó, Jimin Ren, Simon G. Bott, Doug Ogrin, Garry Kiefer, Zoltan Kovacs, A. Dean Sherry

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Interest in macrocyclic lanthanide complexes such as DOTA is driven largely through interest in their use as contrast agents for MRI. The lanthanide tetraamide derivatives of DOTA have shown considerable promise as PARACEST agents, taking advantage of the slow water exchange kinetics of this class of complex. We postulated that water exchange in these tetraamide complexes could be slowed even further by introducing a group to sterically encumber the space above the water coordination site, thereby hindering the departure and approach of water molecules to the complex. The ligand 8O₂-bridged-DOTAM was synthesized in a 34% yield from cyclen. …

Biogeochemical Stoichiometry Of Antarctic Dry Valley Ecosystems, John E. Barrett, Ross A. Virginia, W. Berry Lyons, Diane M. Mcknight, John Charles Priscu, Peter T. Doran, Andrew G. Fountain, Diana H. Wall, D. L. Moorhead

Geography Faculty Publications and Presentations

Among aquatic and terrestrial landscapes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, ecosystem stoichiometry ranges from values near the Redfield ratios for C:N:P to nutrient concentrations in proportions far above or below ratios necessary to support balanced microbial growth. This polar desert provides an opportunity to evaluate stoichiometric approaches to understand nutrient cycling in an ecosystem where biological diversity and activity are low, and controls over the movement and mass balances of nutrients operate over 10–10⁶ years. The simple organisms (microbial and metazoan) comprising dry valley foodwebs adhere to strict biochemical requirements in the composition of their biomass, and when activated …

Faculty Senate Monthly Packet February 2007, Portland State University Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Monthly Packets

The February 2007 Monthly packet includes the February agenda and appendices and the Faculty Senate minutes and attachments from the meeting held January 2007

Computation Of Dark Frames In Digital Imagers, Ralf Widenhorn, Armin Rest, Morley M. Blouke, Richard L. Berry, Erik Bodegom

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Dark current is caused by electrons that are thermally exited into the conduction band. These electrons are collected by the well of the CCD and add a false signal to the chip. We will present an algorithm that automatically corrects for dark current. It uses a calibration protocol to characterize the image sensor for different temperatures. For a given exposure time, the dark current of every pixel is characteristic of a specific temperature. The dark current of every pixel can therefore be used as an indicator of the temperature. Hot pixels have the highest signal-to-noise ratio and are the best …

Junction City School District: Enrollment Forecasts, 2007-08 To 2011-12, Portland State University. Population Research Center, Charles Rynerson, Vivian Siu

School District Enrollment Forecast Reports

After a period of sustained enrollment growth from the late 1980s through the 1997-98 school year, total enrollment in the Junction City School District (JCSD) has fallen in eight of the past nine years. During the period, all schools have lost enrollment, and the K-12 total has decreased by 248 students, from 2,083 in 1997-98 to 1,835 in 2006-07. This report presents Enrollment Forecasts prepared by the Portland State University Population Research Center (PRC) exploring three possible scenarios for JCSD enrollment during the next five years, each with a unique assumption about the pace of expected housing development.

The Structure And Function Of Small Nucleolar Ribonucleoproteins, Steve Reichow, Tomoko Hamma, Adrian R. Ferré-D’Amaré, Gabriele Varani

Chemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Eukaryotes and archaea use two sets of specialized ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) to carry out sequencespecific methylation and pseudouridylation of RNA, the two most abundant types of modifications of cellular RNAs. In eukaryotes, these protein–RNA complexes localize to the nucleolus and are called small nucleolar RNPs (snoRNPs), while in archaea they are known as small RNPs (sRNP). The C/D class of sno(s)RNPs carries out ribose- 20-O-methylation, while the H/ACA class is responsible for pseudouridylation of their RNA targets. Here, we review the recent advances in the structure, assembly and function of the conserved C/D and H/ACA sno(s)RNPs. Structures of each of the …