Digital Commons Network^™

Chemical Modification Of Skeletal Muscle Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Vesicles: A Study Of Calcium Permeability, Janice F. Stuart

Dissertations and Theses

Skeletal muscle contains an internal membrane system called the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) whose function is to regulate the Ca²⁺ concentration of the myoplasm. Ca²⁺ is transported into the SR from the myoplasm via a Ca²⁺ dependent ATPase thus lowering the myoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration. Ca²⁺ exits from the SR via a Ca²⁺ releqse pathway resultingin the increase of myoplasmic Ca²⁺. Muscles contract when the myoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration is > 5 uM and relax when the Ca²⁺ concentration is lowered below 1 uM. The Ca²⁺ dependent ATPase has been extensively studied but …

Ultrashort Pulse Production In Synchronously Pumped Mode-Locked Dye Laser Systems, Duncan Leo Macfarlane

Dissertations and Theses

The concern of this dissertation is the understanding and improvement of a class of lasers that is responsible for some of the shortest optical pulses available today. In particular, we seek ways to produce from synchronously pumped mode-locked dye laser systems, shorter pulses of higher intensity with improved pulse-to-pulse consistency. Specific topics.that are discussed herein include the study of the role of the pump pulse in synchronously pumped mode-locked lasers, the study of the pulse shaping and shortening due to an intracavity saturable absorber, and the study of a fundamental pulse train instability associated with these lasers.

Strategic Implications Of R&D Investment On Dynamic Business Systems, George F. Farrimond Jr.

Dissertations and Theses

The United States' ability to compete in many international markets has been based on competitive advantage in high-technology products. Until recently, these industries had a favorable trade balance but in 1987, it slipped to deficit of $0.6 billion. Management of research and development programs is one of the most important elements in remaining competitive. Therefore, this research study of 291 high-technology firms was undertaken to determine if: (1) a positive relationship exists between the amount of investment in research and development (R&D) and a firms success in sales, net income, or market share, (2) excessive investment in R&D would decrease …

A Multivariate Test Of Evolutionary Stasis In Homo Sapiens, Jon Geoffrey Kleckner

Dissertations and Theses

In the past, efforts to prove or disprove stasis in hominids have relied upon univariate tests such as Students's t-test. Severe methodological and interpretive problems arise from the misapplication of univariate statistics to questions concerning variation in shape through time. These are questions best addressed using the multivariate approach of morphometrics. Eighteen cranial dimensions drawn from 33 mid and late Pleistocene Homo sapiens were examined using principal component analysis (PCA). PCA divided the sample into two distinct morphologies. Archaic Homo sapiens of the mid Pleistocene clustered with Wurm I neanderthals and apart from post Gottweig early anatomically modern Homo sapiens. …

Fluorinated Esters: Synthesis And Identification, Jilla Schaff

Dissertations and Theses

Reactions of different alcohols with 2-hydroxy - 1- trifluoromethyl -1,2,2-trifluoroethanesulfonic acid sultone F₃CCFCF₂OSO₂ were studied. Six new esters were prepared: C₆F₅OC(O)CF(CF₃)SO₂F, CH₃CH₂OC(O)CF(CF₃)SO₂F, CF₃CH₂OC(O)CF(CF₃)SO₂F, (CF₃)₂CHOC(O)CF(CF₃)SO₂F, CH2=CHCH₂OC(O)CF(CF₃)SO₂F, (CH₂OC(O)CF(CF₃)SO₂F)₂. Analytical data, infrared, nmr and mass spectra are presented supporting the proposed structures for these new compounds.

Study Of Photolytic Interference On Ho Measurements By Lif-Fage, Carmen Ivette Martinez

Dissertations and Theses

For many years there has been a great interest among the scientific community in the study of the hydroxyl radical, HO. This interest stems from the fundamental role played by this molecule in the photochemistry of the atmosphere, mainly as a cleansing agent of environmental pollutants. Knowing the concentration of the radical would enable scientists to corroborate current atmospheric models and to predict future trends in the atmosphere. Even though there is a great interest in the determination of atmospheric concentrations of this molecule, the task has been very difficult. This is mainly due to the lack of a method …

Slope Stability As Related To Geology At Rainier, Columbia County, Oregon, James Douglas Gless

Dissertations and Theses

Rainier, Oregon, has experienced problems in the development of residential and commercial sites, utilities, and transportation facilities as a result of slope instability. This study of slope stability at Rainier was conducted at the request of city officials.

The Effects Of Bandwidth Limiting Tuning Elements On A Synchronously Pumped Mode-Locked Dye Laser, Bahram Zandi

Dissertations and Theses

In this study an improved description of the bandwidth limiting tuning filters has been introduced into a semiclassical model for a synchronously pumped mode-locked dye laser system. This model is an improvement over the traditional rate equation approach since it has detailed representations of the energy levels, rotational distribution, and coherence effects. The new set of equations has been solved numerically using the best available values for the various parameters, and autocorrelations have been computed for a range of different length detuning and bandwidth limiting elements. In the experiments, an acousto-optically mode-locked argon ion laser is used to synchronously pump …

A Study Of The Identification And Referral Components Of Substance Abuse Intervention Programs In Washington State's Public High Schools, Todd C. Herberg

Dissertations and Theses

This multiple-case study investigated the characteristics of successful high school substance abuse intervention programs.

The unit of analysis for this multiple-case study is the public high school substance abuse intervention program of twelve selected Washington State high schools. Sub-units of analysis within the multiple-case study include the various components and attributes of a substance abuse intervention program. Examples of these sub-units include: formal drug education policies; staff training on substance abuse issues and intervention skills; formal curriculum and student instruction; central office administration and building administration support for the program; community support for the program, staff time to administer the …

Fluorinated [Beta]-Sultones As Precursors To Fluorinated Sulfonic Acids, And New Fluorosulfonyl Containing Monomers/Polymers, Javid Mohtasham

Dissertations and Theses

Sulfur trioxide (SO₃) adds to fluoroolefins of the form RCF=CF₂, (where R = F, SF₅, CF₃, CF₃OCF₂, CF₂=CF(CF₂)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₃O, CF₃O(CF₂)₂OCF₂, or CH₂ClCHClCH₂), yielding the fluorinated [beta]-sultones, RCFCF₂OSO₂. In the case of CF₃(CF₂)₃OCF=CF₂, a reverse addition occurs, giving the sultone, CF₃(CF₂)₃CF₂2OCFCF₂SO₂O. The fluoro [beta]-sultones are capable of undergoing different reactions, such as rearrangement, hydrolysis, esterification, and polymerization. These reactions, will result in the formation of compounds containing the fluorosulfonyl grouping (SO₂F); it is this group that yields the corresponding sulfonic acid upon base/acid treatment.

The addition of sodium bisulfite to CF₃CF= CF₂ and CF₃(CF₂)₄CF=CF₂ in the presence of (C₆H₅CO)₂O₂ and Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O …

Organizational Inducements And Social Motives: A Game Theoretic Analysis, Richard G. Davis

Dissertations and Theses

Game theory was used to analyze compensation systems based on individual and group incentives. Payoff formulas were developed for these incentives assuming different preferences for individual and social outcomes. Two levels of contributions were considered: (1) Defection. The minimum acceptable level of contributions, and (2) Cooperation. A level of discretionary contributions above the minimum. The discretionary contributions associated with cooperation were represented as a cost to the individual.

A classification scheme for uniform n-person games was developed using the approach of Rappaport and Guyer (1966) for 2 x 2 games. This classification scheme defines the natural outcome (cooperation or defection) …

A Fractal Analysis Of Diffusion Limited Aggregation, Cliff Myers

Dissertations and Theses

A modified Witten-Sander algorithm was devised for the diffusion-limited aggregation process. The simulation and analysis were performed on a personal computer. The fractal dimension was determined by using various forms of a two-point density correlation function and by the radius of gyration. The results of computing the correlation function with square and circular windows were analyzed. The correlation function was further modified to include the edge from analysis and those results were compared to the fractal dimensions obtained from the whole aggregate. The fractal dimensions of 1.67 ± .01 and 1.75 ± .08 agree with the accepted values. Animation of …

A Lagrangian For A System Of Two Dyons, Rainer Georg Thierauf

Dissertations and Theses

Maxwell's equations for the electromagnetic field are symmetrized by introducing magnetic charges into the formalism of electrodynamics. The symmetrized equations are solved for the fields and potentials of point particles. Those potentials, some of which are found to be singular along a line, are used to formulate the Lagrangian for a system of two dyons (particles with both electric and magnetic charge). The equations of motion are derived from the Lagrangian. It is shown that the dimensionality constants k and k*, which were introduced to define the units of the electromagnetic fields, have to be equal in order to avoid …

Dynamics Of Intermediate-Size Stream Outlets, Northern Oregon Coast, Ellen Eberhardt

Dissertations and Theses

This study measured and evaluated the relation of coastal foredune morphology to stream beach outlets, and investigated the processes associated with the stream outlet. Intermediate-size streams were studied, and defined as those that flow across the beach most of the year but have no tidal influence. Fifty-four of these streams were found along the northern Oregon coast between the Columbia River and Yaquina Bay. Crescent Lake Outlet, Saltair Creek and Daley Lake Outlet were chosen as study streams for further investigation.

Analysis Of Ferredoxin And Flavodoxin In Anabaena And Trichodesmium Using Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography, Karen Lorraine Jones

Dissertations and Theses

Iron is an essential nutrient for growth of photosynthetic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria and algae. Iron is required for proteins involved in the important processes of carbon and nitrogen assimilation. Low concentrations of iron in cultures or natural waters can lead to iron limitation which affects many aspects of algal metabolism. In natural waters, iron limitation can have effects on the patterns and rates of primary productivity.

The cellular content of certain proteins can be affected by media iron concentrations. Methods have been used that assay components of the cell as an indirect measure of iron nutritional status. For example, …

Holocene Fluctuations Of The Coe Glacier, Mount Hood, Oregon, Karl Douglas Lillquist

Dissertations and Theses

Numerous moraines front the Coe Glacier on the north side of Mount Hood, Oregon. These moraines were identified and dated using a multiple methodology approach in order to establish a chronology for the advances and stillstands of the Coe Glacier. This chronology was compared to chronologies established for other glaciers on Mount Hood, North Sister, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker as well as glaciers in Scandinavia. The chronology was also compared to a long term temperature record from Longmire, Washington.

The maximum identified extent of the pre-Little Ice Age Coe Glacier was indicated by moraines located at an elevation of …

A Geochemical Study Of The Eagle Creek Formation In The Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, Rachel Ann Carlin

Dissertations and Theses

The Early Miocene Eagle Creek Formation, a series of volcanic mudflows and debris flows, is exposed in the Columbia River Gorge about 64 kilometers east of Portland, Oregon. Eighty-seven samples were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis for trace element concentrations. Eleven samples were analyzed by Dr. Peter Hooper at Washington State University using X-ray Fluorescence for major element chemistry. These data were used to determine that the Eagle Creek Formation compositionally ranges from andesite to dacite.

Hedonic Analysis Of Gasoline Retailing, Soleman A. Al-Bassir

Dissertations and Theses

Researchers have difficulty modeling the influence of retailing attributes on consumer choice. The literature of retailing that has dealt with this issue has conventionally used experimental data for estimating the influence of retailing attributes on consumer behavior. The present research applies hedonic analysis to the measurement of the value of retailing attributes. This is accomplished by applying hedonic specifications to supply and demand models for the retail sales of unleaded gasoline for the purpose of estimating the influence of specified retailing attributes on retail prices. Four retailing attributes-accessibility, convenience, service, and competition-were expected to have a determinable value that was …

Geochemical Stratigraphy Of The Dooley Rhyolite Breccia And Tertiary Basalts In The Dooley Mountain Quadrangle, Oregon, David Neale Whitson

Dissertations and Theses

The Dooley Rhyolite Breccia in northeast Oregon was erupted between 12 and 16 million years ago, from central vents and linear feeder dikes within the Dooley Mountain quadrangle. The peraluminous, high-silica rhyolites of the formation were erupted over an irregular highland of eroded pre-Tertiary metamorphic rocks locally overlain by intracanyon, Eocene Clarno-type basalt flow(s). The Dooley Rhyolite Braccia is exposed in a tectonically disrupted, north-south trending graben across the Elkhorn Range. The formation is variable in thickness with maximum thickness exceeding 660 meters in the south and 600 meters in the north half of the quadrangle. Volumetrically the formation is …

Implementing Ray Tracing Algorithm In Parallel Environment, Tjah Jadi

Dissertations and Theses

Ray tracing is a very popular rendering algorithm in the field of computer graphics because it can generate highly-realistic images from three-dimensional models. Unfortunately, the computational cost is very expensive. To speed up the rendering process we present both static and dynamic scheduling (balancing) strategies for a multiprocessor system. Hence, the load balancing among the processors is the most important problem in parallel processing. The implementation of the algorithm is based on a modified octree structure.

Residential Care Facilities: Resident Characteristics And Public Policy, Sharon Anice Baggett

Dissertations and Theses

Residential care is a rapidly growing form of housing and service provision for older adults. Residential care policy is defined by historical and cultural influences in social welfare and by the history of policy development and regulation in long term care, specifically for nursing homes. These influences have played a large role in the growing regulatory environment for residential care.

This study examines the characteristics of elderly residential care facility (RCF) residents and examines these through the lens of current state and federal regulations concerning the type of care given in these facilities. It is hypothesized that the lack of …

The Unveiling, Elizabeth Heron

Dissertations and Theses

The method I use in creating abstract sculpture presented the question that became the subject of my Master's thesis. Only occasionally will I create from a pre-conceived concept. The sculptures evolve through a process of addition and subtraction of material to something that simply pleases me. This method, really no method at all, seemed contradictory to my original intentions. My artistic goals were purposeful; I wanted to create sculpture that would provoke a reaction first, not a judgment of features. I wanted the viewers emotional and psychological involvement to be the basis for content and meaning in the work.

In …

An Analysis Of Kindergarten Children's Use Of A Word Processor In Their Print Literacy Development, Paul Steger

Dissertations and Theses

Many young children appear to take delight in manipulating common elements of their environment, e.g., sticks, stones, and mud. Our ancestors also used these and other elements in order to play, explore,, and eventually create written language. In a print-laden society, young children are budding literates. Within a few years their abilities and skills evolve to the level it has taken the human species thousands of years to reach. Associated with the evolution of written language is related technology. Humans have evolved from cave art and literacy to computer art and literacy. Again, what has taken thousands of years to …

An Empirical Assessment Of The Center-Periphery Hypothesis In International Economic Relations, Fazlollah Bonakdar Shirazi

Dissertations and Theses

There are two leading perspectives on trade and economic development: the classical view based on the ideas of free trade and comparative advantage, which regards the international division of labor through free trade as supporting economic development; and the dependency theory view regards the international division of labor as an obstacle to the economic development of the now underdeveloped countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate hypotheses advanced by dependency theory, and, more particularly, by Galtung's Structural Theory of Imperialism. According to Galtung's theory, the world is divided into center and periphery countries, themselves divided into center and …

The Effectiveness Of A Teacher Evaluation Process As Perceived By Teachers And Building-Level Administrators, David Stewart Halstead

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions held by building administrators and teachers of the evaluation system being used in the Vancouver (Wash.) School District. Through the administration of separate questionnaires for building administrators and teachers, research was conducted to determine if significant differences existed among groups of teachers, among groups of building-level administrators, and among building-level administrators and teachers. The population of the study consisted of 235 randomly selected teachers from kindergarten through high school and 29 building-level administrators. Two different questionnaires were administered, one to teachers and one to building administrators, to determine the sample's …

A Study Of Successful Management Teams In Oregon Public School Systems, James R. Carnes

Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the current status of successful management teams in Oregon public schools as they exist in 1988, after more than fifteen years of evolution as the preferred management practice. Study Questions asked were: (1) Why was the team management concept implemented? (2) How has the management team evolved? (3) How is the management team organized? (4) How does the management team operate? (5) How are management team members involved in developing, recommending, implementing, and monitoring school district policies and administrative regulations? (6) What are the most important characteristics or elements found …

Career Satisfaction, Adult Development, Academic Preparation, And Other Demographic Characteristics Of Pastors Of Churches Affiliated With Western Evangelical Seminary, James Allen Field

Dissertations and Theses

Purpose. This study was designed to explore possible relationships between the levels of job satisfaction, the stages of adult development, especially as defined by Levinson, and the type and extent of formal educational preparation for pastoral ministry. The primary assumption was that higher levels of education enable the pastor to move through the progressive stages of adult development with a higher level of career satisfaction. Procedure.The data were obtained through a survey of the pastors of the western judicatories of the seven denominations which are in trustee relationship with Western Evangelical Seminary. A three-part questionnaire was developed, including the Ministerial …

Adolescent Shoplifting And Situational Stimuli, James A. Chambers

Dissertations and Theses

Adolescent shoplifting has provoked limited and somewhat controversial perspectives within the sociological and psychological literature. These controversies center around the empirical variables used for analysis. A companion argument focuses on the subjective and objective measurement of these variables. This research explicated variables from the sociological literature to test their relationship, using multiple linear regression, to adolescent shoplifting behavior. These variables and situational stimuli were operationalized in a simultaneous model to demonstrate a proximate occurrence of the attitude-situation-behavior reciprocal. This reciprocal is a learning theory which suggests that direct and vicarious experiences accompanied by rewards and punishment, in one's environment, lead …

The Development Of A Social Network Following Geographic Relocation, Joan E. Starker

Dissertations and Theses

The United States is a strikingly mobile nation. Every year almost 20% of its population changes residence and about 45% moves at least once every five years. Economic considerations are a major reason for relocation as persons seek new employment or are transferred by their corporations. Relocation, however, can be a stressful life experience. It removes individuals from daily routines, alters social networks, and may be accompanied by a mixture of sadness, excitement, anger and anxiety. It requires an enormous investment of physical and emotional energy to reestablish order and stability to one's life in a new city. At the …

Direct And Indirect Costs Of Tinnitus: Factors For Decisionmaking, Gloria E. Reich

Dissertations and Theses

This study investigates the psychological, social and economic costs of tinnitus to affected individuals. A conceptual framework for tinnitus is presented which includes the possible causes of tinnitus, the perception of severity of tinnitus, mediators or agents that can change the perception of tinnitus, tinnitus treatments, and the social and economic effects of tinnitus. Three main factors were studied: 1) whether tinnitus costs can be predicted from perceived severity and other characteristics of tinnitus, 2) whether a scale can be developed to provide information about the subjective measurement of tinnitus severity, and 3) how many people have severe tinnitus. Information …