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O-Phthalaldehyde Modification Of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Release, Steffen Koehler

Dissertations and Theses

Muscle contraction is a phenomena which fascinated already the ancient Greeks. People have long sought to understand the mechanism of muscle contraction. Today we know that in order for muscle to contract, an action potential propagates from the nerve cell to the muscle cell. Upon arriving at the muscle cell, via a mechanism called Excitation- Contraction (E-C) coupling, Ca2 + is released from an intracellular membrane system, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), into the intracellular fluid. The increase of intracellular Ca2 + initiates the interaction between the contractile units which results in force development and tension. The least well understood step …

Weakest Pre-Condition And Data Flow Testing, Griffin David Mcclellan

Dissertations and Theses

Current data flow testing criteria cannot be applied to test array elements for two reasons: 1. The criteria are defined in terms of graph theory which is insufficiently expressive to investigate array elements. 2. Identifying input data which test a specified array element is an unsolvable problem. We solve the first problem by redefining the criteria without graph theory. We address the second problem with the invention of the wp_du method, which is based on Dijkstra's weakest pre-condition formalism. This method accomplishes the following: Given a program, a def-use pair and a variable (which can be an array element), the …

Electrolysis Of Palladium In Heavy Water, Christoph Zaczek

Dissertations and Theses

Following several reports in the past few years about compositional changes on palladium used as a cathode in heavy water electrolysis, the purpose of this research project was to reproduce this results.

Two experiments were performed using two cells connected in series, an experimental cell and a control cell.

Both experiments used platinum anodes, the experimental cell had a palladium cathode and the control cell had a platinum cathode. The electrolyte was D₂O with H₂SO₄. Radiation was monitored during both experiments. Also temperature and voltage were recorded for both experiments, to allow statements about …

Electrolysis Of Titanium In Heavy Water, Radovan Kopecek

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of these studies was to determine if results similar to those of Fleischmann and Pons could be obtained using a titanium cathode instead of palladium in an electrolysis in a heavy water cell. The electrolyte consists of D₂O and H₂SO₄. Two experiments have been performed to examine the features of this electrolysis. As titanium shows the same properties to attract hydrogen, it seemed possible that excess heat could be produced. Radiation was monitored, and the surface of the titanium cathode was examined before and after electrolysis for any changes in the morphology …

The Distribution Of Naturally Occurring Soil Radionuclides And Radon Potential Of Northwest Oregon, Stuart Graham Ashbaugh

Dissertations and Theses

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced as one of the decay products of soil/rock uranium and thorium, is considered to be a leading cause of pulmonary disease. Gamma spectrometry of 146 samples of soil were used to quantify radon source potential relative to lithology by measuring Bi²¹⁴ activity of the U²³⁸ decay series. Additional soil radio nuclide data (Th²³², Ac²²⁸, K40 and C¹³⁷ ) were used to help identify regional source provenance geochemistry and soil development. Ac²²⁸, Bi²¹⁴ and Th²³² activities in northwest Oregon soils range from five …

Synthesis And Characterization Of A Porphyrin Dyad, Dale A. Braden

Dissertations and Theses

The sun is a bountiful source of energy for our planet. .With the advent of photovoltaic cells, man has begun harnessing the sun's radiant energy, turning it into a form more directly useful: electricity. Commercially available solar cells currently operate at about 13% efficiency, sufficiently high to make them a viable source of electrical energy. It is of great interest, however, to improve their conversion efficiency, and to lower the cost of production so as to make them more economical, and thereby reduce our dependence upon traditional "dirty" sources of energy such as coal and oil. It has been found …

Modeling Of Decay Rate For Molecules At An Island Surface, Ting Xiong

Dissertations and Theses

The decay rates for molecules at rough surfaces are studied via an island surface model, with particular emphasis on the effect due to the distribution of surface roughness. Two extreme cases are studied when the surface islands distribute themselves evenly and when they coalesce to form local clusters at the molecule-substrate interface. The optical properties of the interfacial layer in these two cases are described by the Maxwell-Garnett and the fractal-cluster models, respectively. Among other results, it is found that both enhancement and suppression of the surface-induced decay rates are possible due to the presence of roughness, with more dramatic …

Reliability And Validity Of Pedometers In A Free-Living Environment, Ernest Leroy Brown

Dissertations and Theses

In the field of exercise science there exists no single best method, or tool, for the measurement of physical activity, in particular, activity in everyday free-living conditions. The pedometer, a tool for recording the number of steps taken by an individual, could potentially measure this important component of free-living physical activity. To establish the reliability and validity of the pedometer, 40 subjects wore two pedometers (same brand) in two consecutive I 0-minute trials during normal daily activity. Both trials were videotaped. Each videotape segment was replayed, the number of steps were counted and this count served as the criterion measure …

From Pietism To Pluralism: Boston Personalism And The Liberal Era In American Methodist Theology, 1876-1953, Amos Yong

Dissertations and Theses

Boston personalism has generally been recognized as a philosophic system based upon a metaphysical idealism. What is less known, however, is that the founder of this school of thought and some of the major contributors to the early development of this tradition were committed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The purpose of this study is to examine the contributions made by the early Boston personalists to the cause of theological liberalism in the Methodist Church. It will be shown that personalist philosophers and theologians at Boston University ushered in and consolidated the liberal era in Methodist theology. Further, it …

English In The Workplace: Case Study Of A Pilot Program, Kim Roth Franklin

Dissertations and Theses

This study is participant observational research focused on a description of an United States Department of Education grant-funded English in the Workplace pilot program. The survey of the literature shows that there is an increasing need to provide educational opportunities for workers who, for various reasons, are not currently being served by traditional education providers. The study presented here describes a pilot program and asks "How is an English in the Workplace program developed and implemented? What do those characteristics of workplace education programs, as identified in the literature, 'look like' once such a program has been implemented?" The researcher …

A Hydrologic Analysis Of Government Island, Oregon, Scott Gregory Bittinger

Dissertations and Theses

Government Island, located in the Columbia River approximately 16 km (10 mi) upstream of the confluence with the Willamette River, is a wetland mitigation site prompted by expansion of the southwest quadrant of Portland International Airport. The purpose of the study is to predict water levels in two enclosed lowland areas, Jewit Lake and Southeast Pond, based on levels of the Columbia River, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. Mitigation is intended to convert 1.13 km² (237 acres) of seasonally flooded wetland to 1.27 km² (267 acres) of semi-permanently flooded wetland and seasonally flooded wetland.

Flooding of the wetland is most …

The Parser Converter Loader: An Implementation Of The Computational Chemistry Output Language (Ccol), Donald Randall Abel

Dissertations and Theses

A necessity of managing scientific data is the ability to maintain experimental legacy information without continually modifying the applications that create and use that information. By facilitating the management of scientific data we hope to give scientists the ability to effectively use additional modeling applications and experimental data. We have demonstrated that an extensible interpreter, using a series of stored directives, allows the loading of data from computational chemistry applications into a generic database. Extending the interpreter to support a new application involves supplying a list of directives for each piece of information to be loaded. This research confirms that …

Improved Finite Analytic Methods For Solving Advection-Dominated Transport Equation In Highly Variable Velocity Field, Wei Cuifeng

Dissertations and Theses

Solute transport studies frequently rely on numerical solutions of the classical advection-diffusion equation. Unfortunately, solutions obtained with traditional finite difference and finite element techniques typically exhibit excessive numerical diffusion or spurious oscillation when advection dominates, especially when velocity field is highly variable.

One recently developed technique, the finite analytic method, offers an attractive alternative. Finite analytic methods utilize local analytic solutions in discrete elements to obtain the algebraic representations of the governing partial differential equations, thus eliminating the truncation error in the finite difference and the use of approximating functions in the finite element method. The finite analytic solutions have …

Psusort: A Parallel External Sort For A Shared Memory Multiprocessor System, Sujata V. Ramamoorthy

Dissertations and Theses

A method to parallelize external sorts on a shared memory multiprocessing system is presented in this thesis. The main goal of the thesis is to develop a sorting package that is scale able and efficient. No prior knowledge of the nature, source or size of the data is assumed for this work. A dynamic load-balancing architecture is used with no static allocation of tasks to processes. The package consists of an interface and a kernel. The interface provides the sort with the following - the sort input, output and temporary work spaces as abstract data types (ADTs), memory available, number …

A Comparative Study Of The Flathead, Cayuse And Nez Perce Tribes In Reference To The Pattern Of Acceptance And Rejection To The Missionaries In The Mid-Nineteenth Century, Mary Kathleen Branson

Dissertations and Theses

By 1836 both the Presbyterians and the Jesuits had penetrated the Pacific Northwest. The Whitmans and the Spaldings were the first Presbyterians to settle in this region. The Whitmans settled with the Cayuse at Wailaptu near Walla Walla and the Spaldings resided at Lapwaii with the Nez Perce tribe. Although two Canadian priests were working in this region, it was not until 1840, with the arrival of Father Jean-Pierre DeSmet that the Jesuits commenced their missionary work. Fr. DeSmet initially settled with the Flathead tribe in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana.

This paper observes how the Jesuits in Montana and …

Implementing Community Policing: A Documentation And Assessment Of Organizational Change, Emmajean Williams

Dissertations and Theses

Four research questions guided this documentation and assessment of the Portland Police Bureau's conversion to community policing. These questions generated a description of the events and circumstances that created the perceived need for change in the Bureau's role and function; a search for justification for selecting community policing as an alternative policing approach; a comparative analysis of past attempts to implement innovative change of a similar dimension in police organizations; and an assessment of the process by which the Bureau implemented this new policing strategy.

The findings indicate that the prominent factors driving this change are first, the limitations of …

Performance Appraisal In Organizational Cultural Context, Unoda C. Moyo

Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the relationship between an organization's culture and its performance appraisal (PA) system and process. The initial phase of this study involved examining an organization's culture and the properties of its performance appraisal system from organizational archival information. Information derived from this phase of the study was later utilized to formulate interview questions, guide the search for the organizational culture survey instrument, and to construct the performance appraisal perceptions measuring instrument. This latter instrument is a quantitative measure that was later employed in testing the primary hypothesis that stated the performance appraisal process had a positive effect on …

A Study Of Special Preparation And Training Needs Of Middle School Teachers, Marilyn Seger

Dissertations and Theses

The concept of middle level schooling has existed in the United States since the early 1900s. During the early 1960s, middle level schools were organized to meet the unique developmental needs of early adolescents. Yet, special training, preparation and/or certification for aspiring teachers who wish to work at this level are not available in the majority of states. Many state licensing agencies provide either elementary or secondary certification, which historically was believed to be adequate for middle level teaching. This study investigates the special preparation and training needs of middle level teachers as perceived by teachers and administrators in a …

Monomeric And Polymeric Fluoroalkyl Sulfonyl Fluorides, Sulfonate Salts And Sulfonic Acids For Use As Electrolytes And Coatings, Nicolas Noel Hamel

Dissertations and Theses

Monomeric and polymeric fluoroalkyl sulfonyl fluorides, sulfonate salts and sulfonic acids have qualities desirable for use as electrolytes in alternative energy sources such as fuel cells and solid polymer electrolyte lithium batteries. Since the nature of the fluoroalkyl group affects the properties of these compounds, new monomeric and polymeric fluoroalkyl sulfonyl fluorides, sulfonate salts and sulfonic acids were prepared in this work. Simple compounds prepared in this work were: the fluoroalkyl sulfonyl fluorides, sulfonate salts and sulfonic acid CHF (OCF₂CF2SO₂ F)₂ CF₂(OCF₂CF₂SO₂F) ₂ CH₂(OCF₂CF₂SO3Na) ₂ CF₂(OCF₂CF₂SO3 ) ₂Ca , CF₂(OCF₂CF₂SO3H) ₂ prepared by means of electrochemical fluorination; FC (CF3 ) …

Hardware For Fast Global Operations On Distributed Memory Multicomputers And Multiprocessors, Douglas V. Hall

Dissertations and Theses

"Grand Challenge" problems such as climate modeling to predict droughts and human genome mapping to predict and possibly cure diseases such as cancer require massive computing power. Three kinds of computer systems currently used in attempts to solve these problems are "Big Iron" multicomputers such as the Intel Paragon, workstation cluster multicomputers, and distributed shared memory multiprocessors such as the Cray T3D. Machines such as these are inefficient in executing some or all of a set of global program operations which are important in many of the "Grand Challenge" programs. These operations include synchronization, reduction, MAX, MIN, one-to-all broadcasting, all-to-all …

Some Relationships Between Sedimentary Trace Metal Concentrations And Freshwater Phytoplankton And Sedimentary Diatom Species Composition, Allan Hayes Vogel

Dissertations and Theses

Sediments from 21 Oregon lakes were analyzed for seven metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, V) in three forms (exchangeable, organic+sulfides, and oxyhydroxides+ oxides+ carbonates) using a sequential fractionation procedure. The summer epilimnetic filterable concentration of an eighth (Mo) was also determined. Sedimentary diatom remains and summer phytoplankton populations of the lakes were correlated with the 22 metal parameters and with conservative water chemistry parameters, estimators of lake productivity, and watershed geology. Both the sedimentary metals and the two populations of primary producers correlated best with the ecoregions of Omernik and Gallant (1986). A number of species possessed correlations …

Beam Modes Of Lasers With Misaligned Complex Optical Elements, Anthony A. Tovar

Dissertations and Theses

A recurring theme in my research is that mathematical matrix methods may be used in a wide variety of physics and engineering applications. Transfer matrix techniques are conceptually and mathematically simple, and they encourage a systems approach. Once one is familiar with one transfer matrix method, it is straightforward to learn another, even if it is from a completely different branch of science. Thus it is useful to overview these methods, and this has been done here. Of special interest are the applications of these methods to laser optics, and matrix theorems concerning multipass optical systems and periodic optical systems …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Turnover Of Incumbent Board Members And Turnover Of The District's Superintendent, Frederick James Loomis

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the turnover of incumbent board members and turnover of the district's superintendent. Research questions asked were: 1.What are the turnover rates within five years for: a. superintendents? b. incumbent board members? c. superintendents when an incumbent board member fails to be reelected? 2. What are the factors associated with board member turnover? 3. What are the factors associated with superintendent turnover? 4. Are there variables which may be used together to discriminate between categories of superintendent turnover? 5. What is the relationship between district size and number of schools …

Physical And Environmental Features That Contribute To Satisfaction With Hospice Facilities, Arezu Movahed

Dissertations and Theses

Improving the quality of remaining life for individuals who are terminally ill and their families is an issue that has become increasingly important in recent years. This issue has evolved from perceived deficiencies of conventional health care institutions in meeting the needs of people who are in the final stages of their life, when curative measures are no longer deemed appropriate. In response to deficiencies in care of the terminally ill and their families, there has been a movement toward humanizing conventional health care and making it more holistic. Hospice care, which is consistent with this movement, has evolved as …

An Assessment Of The Adequacy Of The Services Of An Urban Public University For International And U.S. Students: A Comparative Study, Alfonso Hernandez Pioquinto

Dissertations and Theses

This study compares the instructional, academic support, and student services needs of international and American students at Portland State University (PSU), Portland, Oregon. Variables measured include the perceived importance of university-related services, and the level of satisfaction with services received. A questionnaire with 26 background questions and 41 service-related items for ranking and discussion was mailed to 225 undergraduate international students and 225 undergraduate American students, with a response rate of 52%. Responses were tabulated to ascertain demographic profile of PSU students, importance of university services to international students at PSU, current level of satisfaction of international students in regards …

Behavioral And Community Impacts Of The Portland Needle Exchange Program, Kathleen Joan Oliver

Dissertations and Theses

Research questions were: 1: Will Drug Injectors Use An Exchange In A StateWhere Syringes Are Legal? 2: Will Drug Injectors Using An Exchange Decrease Risky Behavior? 3: Will Frequent Clients Change Risk Behaviors More Than Infrequent Clients? 4: Will Drug Injectors Using An Exchange Change Risk Behaviors More Than A Comparison Group Not Using An Exchange? 5: Does An Exchange Have An Impact On The Number Of Discarded Syringes On The Streets? 6: Is There A Difference In The Rate Of Spread Of HIV Infection Among Users And Non-Users Of The Exchange. Drug injectors will use needle exchange programs, even …

Pretrial Release In Criminal Courts: A Study Of Three Oregon Counties, Melvin Earl Degraw

Dissertations and Theses

Pretrial release (PTR) is the permanent or temporary freedom from incarceration for criminal defendants awaiting adjudication of their cases in court. From Anglo Saxon times in England, people accused of non-capital crimes were generally permitted to remain free until judicial officials could hear the charges against them. In America, pretrial release has been advocated by the courts since the colonial era. The U. S. Constitution requires that bail not be excessive, but leaves governments free to decide how bail laws are administered. The study briefly traces the historical developments of PTR up to the present time. The study then centers …

Social Support In An Urban Moroccan Neighborhood: The Effects Of Social Networks, Mediation And Patronage On The Physical Health And Psychological Adjustment Of Women, Carla Ann Green

Dissertations and Theses

Although there has been a great deal of research in the areas of social networks, social support and well-being over the past two decades, little of that research has been cross-cultural, and virtually none has been carried out in countries outside the West. The present study attempted to describe the structure and functioning of the social networks of a group of relatively modern urban Moroccan women, and the associations among their social networks, social support, physical health and psychological well-being. Extensive interviews were conducted with 108 married or previously-married women who were living in a middle-class neighborhood in Rabat, Morocco. …

Identifying Factors That Influence Perceptions Of Teacher Efficacy As A Means Of Building Capacity For Restructuring Schools: A Case Study Approach, Deborah Sommer

Dissertations and Theses

Recent efforts to restructure schools through increased teacher involvement are likely to fail without a corresponding redesign of the underlying organizational and political structure of schools. Because the current structure of most schools actually prohibits the collaboration necessary to effect change and promotes professional isolation instead, staff members faced with the tasks of restructuring experience frustration more often than success. The changes that do occur are often superficial and cosmetic while the basic hierarchy and mechanisms of control remain intact. Allowing teachers to redesign their schools, specifically to develop new models that promote interdependence and the sharing of professional expertise, …

A Non-Decision-Reaching Decision-Making Process, Wei Wei Lou

Dissertations and Theses

Decision-making processes are among the most important activities within human organizations. This dissertation is a case study of decision-making in the review of high school graduation standards in an urban school district. The review process lasted three years and was terminated before any decision was reached concerning graduation standards. The purpose of this study is to answer three questions: Why would a decision-making process be terminated before any results are achieved? Under what circumstances do decision makers choose to let the process die? What do such decision making processes reveal about the organization? This case study employs the rational choice …