Digital Commons Network^™

Interest Group Influence On U.S. Congressional Committees: A Case Study Of The United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement, Laurel L. Hoffman

Masters Theses

The impact of special interests on Congress has long been a matter for concern. A content analysis of testimony presented at 14 Congressional committee hearings on the United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement revealed that three broad categories of witnesses participated: business, government, and non-business. Total testimony for business and government were comparable, while non-business had fewer witnesses and less testimony. Government supplied more testimony in oral form, which was interpreted as a higher degree of participation than written testimony, predominantly supplied by business. There was little evidence of lobbying coalitions as measured by crossreferencing; witnesses rarely referred to anything but …

Isolation And Characterization Of The Triiodothyronine Regulatory Region Of The Fatty Acid Synthase Gene In Avian Species, Delfina Rivera Valencia

Masters Theses

Fatty acids are utilized for energy storage in the form of triglycerides or neutral fats. One way to regulate fatty acid biosynthesis is to regulate the activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS), the enzyme that catalyzes the reaction. Previous studies have shown that regulation of FAS activity and synthesis is regulated by the hormone triiodothyronine, T₃, at the level of transcription. Thus, isolation and characterization of the promoter region o f the FAS gene will enable the identification of the thyroid hormone response elements (TREs). This study could shed light on the mechanisms on how this gene can …

Teacher Proximity As An Instructional Variable In The Use Of Interactive Video, Rosalie L. Kirsch

Masters Theses

Teacher proximity during the use of the video disc Mastering Fractions produced by Systems Impact (1984) was investigated for effects on student on-task behavior. The study used a randomized multi-element design and was implemented in two classrooms at the junior high school level. In Phase 1, the 12 subjects were enrolled in a regular education mathematics classroom. The seven students in Phase 2 were enrolled in a special education classroom in the same school. During both phases, students were observed during teacher proximity and non-proximity conditions. Results of the study indicate no observable differences in student attending behavior when comparing …

A Comparison Of Percent Body Fat Calculated By Three Methods: Hydrostatic Weighing, Skinfolds, And Near Infrared Technique, James W. Hill

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the near infrared technique for assessing body composition. Hydrostatic weighing was used as the criterion measure to which skinfold technique and near infrared technique (as measured by the Futrex-5000) were compared. Two hundred subjects (115 females, 85 males) had their body composition assessed by the three techniques. The intraclass reliability of the Futrex-5000 was measured at r = .997. The Pearson product-moment correlation between hydrostatic weighing and the Futrex-5000 was r = .71 p < .01. The mean percent body fat derived from hydrostatic weighing was 19.3% compared to 21.6% for the Futrex-5000. At test indicated a significant difference between the mean percent body fats calculated by hydrostatic weighing and the Futrex-5000, t(160) = -5.21, p < .01. This study indicated that the Futrex-5000 was not as valid as either skinfold technique or hydrostatic weighing.

A Biosystematic Study Of Panus Conchatus (Basidiomycetes; Agaricales), James Edward Johnson

Masters Theses

As part of a biosystematic study of Panus conchatus (Bull.: Fr.) Fr., North American and European herbarium specimens from the Field Museum and the University of Michigan were examined and a description of the taxon prepared. Tissue and single spore isolates were obtained from basidiocarps collected in Illinois. Single and polyspore isolates were obtained from a collection made in Switzerland by R. H. Petersen. Culture mat analyses were completed on several media and the taxonomic value of cultural characters assessed. Based on this study, the identification of somatic cultures by cultural characteristics is unlikely. Single spore isolates from the Illinois …

Leakage Of Solutes From Imbibing Seeds Of Supersweet Corn Cultivars That Differ In Tolerance To Low Germination Temperatures, Linda Kull

Masters Theses

Supersweet types of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var rugosa) with shrunken-2 endosperm are preferred by consumers because of their extra sweetness and postharvest retention of good flavor. However, their acceptance by growers is hindered due to reduced field emergence, especially in cold soils. This reduced emergence is related to seed quality. To examine differences between supersweet corn cultivars which are tolerant and sensitive to low temperatures, two cultivars were chosen based on their emergence in the field at low temperatures (10-15 C). 'Illini Gold' was chosen as the tolerant cultivar and 'Honey'n'Pearl' as the sensitive cultivar. Seeds …

Concerns/Problems Experienced After Discharge From An Acute Care Setting: The Patient's Perspective, Karen R. Peper

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the discharge planning process in terms of concerns that patients experience after discharge from an acute care setting. Betty Neuman's Health Care Systems Model was the conceptual framework. Aspects of secondary prevention were used to classify the concerns as either a lack of resources or a reaction to a stressor.; The sample (n = 146) consisted of medical and surgical patients, 18 years or older hospitalized at a community hospital for at least 24 hours.; Data were analyzed descriptively. Data revealed that patients do experience some concerns after discharge. The top four …

The Effect Of Anxiety On Student Nurses' Performance When Administering Intramuscular Or Subcutaneous Injections, Sandra L. Osborne

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine what the relationship was between levels of trait and state anxiety and performance when giving intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. It was a replication of a study by Megal, Wilken, and Volcek (1987).; In May, 1990, the STAI Form Y-2 was used to assess trait anxiety of 17 students at a community college in the Midwest. State anxiety was measured by using the STAI Form Y-1 immediately before: (1) laboratory performance examinations and (2) giving first injections to clients. Instructors completed Injection Skill Check Lists to measure performance.; Students reported high levels of …

Weaning The Long-Term Ventilator Patient: A Nursing Protocol, Karen J. Trudell

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the effects of implementing a standardized nursing protocol on decreasing the length of time it takes the patient to wean from long-term ventilation using an ex post facto comparison group design. The standard nursing protocol is a set of 10 nursing interventions used to standardize the weaning process. A retrospective chart review was performed on 24 patients who were in the intensive care unit of a community teaching medical center, and required long-term ventilation of six days or more. After nine months of implementation of a standard nursing protocol, allowing for the intensive care nurses to become …

The Effects Of Selenate, Molybdate And Chromate On The Triiodothyronine Induced Enzyme Activity And Mrna Level For Both Fatty Acid Synthase And Malic Enzyme, Yuan Zhu

Masters Theses

In chick embryo hepatocytes in culture, triiodothyronine (T3) stimulates enzyme activity, mRNA level and transcription rate for both fatty acid synthase (FAS) and malic enzyme (ME). Recent evidence has demonstrated the effects of selenate, molybdate and chromate on various physiological processes. Little information, however, is available on the effects of these metal ions on the T3- regulated gene expression for FAS and ME.

In chick embryo hepatocytes incubated in a chemically defined medium, addition of sodium selenate (20 μM) coincident with T3 almost completely inhibited the T3-induced stimulation of FAS and ME activity and accumulation of their respective mRNA's. Neither …

An Analysis Of Health Related Fitness Practices In The Michigan Secondary School Physical Education Curriculum, D. Robert Salmon

Masters Theses

This study investigated the emphasis placed on health-related fitness in Michigan's secondary school physical education system. Information for this study was gathered from questionnaires. A total of 707 questionnaires was sent out, with 421 returned, representing a response rate of 59%. Analyzed variables included: (a) psychomotor, (b) cognitive, (c) socio-economic, (d) frequency, (e) geographical regions, (f) class size, (g) faculty, (h) public/private education, (i) facilities, and (j) evaluation tests. Statistical analyses included percentages, frequencies, and chi squares.

The findings from this study indicated that only two variables, (c) socioeconomic, and (j) evaluation, had a significant effect on fitness education. It …

Comparison Of Body Assessment Using Bioelectrical Impedance And Skinfold Measurements In The Critically Ill, Elizabeth Mae Gohlke

Masters Theses

This investigation compared two body fat assessment techniques, skinfold thicknesses and bioelectrical impedance, in an elderly population. Ten healthy adults and ten critically ill adults, aged 55-93 years, were tested. The body fat measurements were taken over a two-week period. Electrolyte levels, sodium and potassium, and hydration status were monitored. Intraclass reliability coefficients were calculated using a repeated measures analysis design (ANOVA). Bioelectrical impedance was not found to be a reliable method for estimating body composition in this study; reliability coefficients were R =.83, R =.98, R =.83, and R =.32 for healthy males, healthy females, critically ill males, and …

An Analysis Of Dissolved Organic Compounds And Their Contribution To Iron Complexation In The Shallow Leachate Plume Of The West Kl Landfill Kalamazoo, Michigan, Eric Fahle

Masters Theses

High concentrations of dissolved iron are present in downgradient groundwater samples adjacent to the western border of the West KL Landfill. Analysis by Rudder (1988) of groundwater samples indicates oversaturation of selected iron oxides, iron sulfides and siderite in monitoring wells TW-4 and M3.

Previous research suggests that pyrogallol, gallic acid, tannic acid and similar organic compounds may retard the oxidation of ferrous iron in the shallow leachate plume of the West KL landfill (Rudder, 1988). Present research utilizing solid phase extraction, reverse phase high performance chromatography, Fourier transform IR spectrophotometry, UV/Visible spectrophotometry, and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy indicate that pyrogallol, …

The Relationship Of Osteoporosis Health Beliefs And Knowledge To Calcium Intake, Karen L. Boyer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between health beliefs (susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, health motivation and self-efficacy) and knowledge, to calcium intake. The study used a descriptive correlational design and a convenience sample of 201 women was selected. Data collection took place in a metropolitan area of west Michigan and a structured interview method was used. The subjects ranged in age from 35 to 95. Ninety-six and one half percent of the sample was white. The hypothesis--"knowledge and the health beliefs account for a significant amount of variance in calcium intake" was partially supported. Self-efficacy and …

Relationships Of Osteoporosis Health Beliefs To Practiced Exercise Behaviors Of Women, Sandra J. Esch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of health beliefs contained in the Health Belief Model to practiced exercise behavior of women. A descriptive correlation design was used with a convenience sample of 201 women. The revised version of the Osteoporosis Health Belief Exercise Scale developed by Kim, Horan, Gendler and Patel (1991b) was used to measure health beliefs related to osteoporosis. The ARIC/Baecke questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity was used to measure life style physical activity. Health motivation and exercise benefits were found to be positively correlated to exercise behavior. However, susceptibility and exercise barriers were …

Nursing Care Of The Elderly In The Acute Care Setting: An Investigation Of Powerlessness, Dorothy De Boer Zylstra

Masters Theses

This study's purpose was to identify whether persons 65 years of age or older hospitalized with congestive heart failure perceive personal powerlessness. Cognitive competence of the subjects was determined by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire. A Powerlessness Interview Schedule (PIVS) was used to identify subjects' perceptions of personal powerlessness.; Perceived powerlessness was not conclusively apparent in the fifty-one subjects of this study. No subjects received a score of 38 or below. Ten of fifty-one subjects received scores ranging from 46 to 56 which may place them at risk for perceived personal powerlessness. Forty-nine subjects had areas of limited feelings …

Determinants Of Health Promotion In The Elderly, Victoria Ann Merren

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to look at determinants of health promotion in the elderly. Pender's (1982) Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile, Wallston & Wallston's (1979) Health Locus of Control Scale, and demographic variables were included on a questionnaire given to a convenience sample of 47 adults, ages ranged from 60-89. All subjects were Caucasian and 65% were female.; The theoretical framework that was used in this descriptive study was Pender's (1987) Health Promotion Model. Standardized z-scores for the Health Locus of Control subscales classified subjects as either "internal" or "external" locus of control. Thirty-five percent were internal.; Forward Regression …

Relationships Of Osteoporosis Health Beliefs To Calcium Intake Of Women, Mary C. Peterson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of health beliefs to calcium intake of women. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) There is a positive relationship between the strength of health beliefs related to susceptibility, seriousness, benefits and motivation and the level of calcium intake. (2) There is a negative relationship between the strength of health beliefs related to barriers and calcium intake.; The study was conducted using a descriptive correlational design. The sample included 201 women between the ages of 35 and 95. The study used the Osteoporosis Health Belief Calcium Scale to measure health beliefs about …

Research And Theory On The Housing And Care Of Laboratory Pigeons And Rats, Dylan David Schmorrow

Masters Theses

This study was an experimental analysis of: (a) housing preference of laboratory pigeons and, (b) the effects of housing on laboratory rat health. Pigeon preference between containment cages and fly cages was determined on the basis of exit time from the containment cage to the fly cage. Rat health was determined by the departmental veterinarian. The rats were exposed to traditional and alternative methods of housing.

The findings from this study indicate that (a) on the basis of pigeons' preferences concerning size, it may be more appropriate to house pigeons in fly cages; and (b) alternative methods of care and …

Copper Accumulation By Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma Cepedianum) In The Charleston Side Channel Reservoir, Mark T. Christ

Masters Theses

Exposure to trace heavy metals is being extensively studied in relation to their adverse and toxic effects on organisms. Processes affecting compartmentalization, biogeochemical cycling, and transport of trace metals in ecological systems must be elucidated if the impact of trace metal releases on biota are to be understood. Because elemental cycles are often closely linked to hydrologic processes, freshwater and marine systems serve as both vectors and sinks for trace metals in the environment. The regular addition of a heavy metal into an aquatic ecosystem will undoubtedly increase its persistance for availability to the existing biota. Once in the environment, …

A Comparison Of Predictive Validity Of The Norton Scale, The Daly Scale And The Braden Scale, Sharon L. Marini

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the predictive ability of three tools (the Norton Scale, the Braden Scale and the Daly Scale) to predict risk of skin breakdown in a hospitalized population. Neuman's theoretical framework served as the organizational framework for the study.; A convenience sample of 27 patients who were admitted to one of three medical/surgical floors in an acute care hospital were selected for the study. The Braden Scale and the Norton 14 each identified 50% of those subjects who developed pressure ulcers. The Norton Scale 12 identified 96% of those subjects without pressure ulcers who …

The Use Of A Three-Layered Air Cushion In Reducing The Incidence Of Pressure Ulcers In The Nursing Home Patient, Ann H. Harris

Masters Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of a pressure relief mattress in reducing the number of pressure ulcers in high risk patients. The research design was experimental with random assignment of subjects who were identified as at risk for developing pressure ulcers into an experimental and control group. Every new admission entering two nursing homes in a Midwestern metropolitan area who met inclusion criteria was assessed using the Braden Scale for his/her risk for developing pressure ulcers. Twelve subjects determined at risk were assessed for skin breakdown for a period of two months, first weekly and …

Replication Study Of Nursing Diagnosis In The Hospitalized Chronic Pulmonary Disease Patient: A Pilot Study, Pearl Anne Kloac

Masters Theses

This study replicated a pilot study, conducted by Lynn Dapice in 1985, to clinically validate nursing diagnoses developed by the American Thoracic Society Group and Nursing Diagnosis Classification Group. The purpose of this current study was to broaden the body of knowledge regarding nursing diagnoses associated with the medical diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).; A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using Dapice's tool adapted to suit this study. Data from 25 charts of hospitalized COPD clients were analyzed using percentages and t-test; the results showed no significant difference between the two studies, with the exception of the age …

Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, Interests, And Practices Of Illinois College Wrestlers, Jacalyn A. Hennessy

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Potential Mechanisms Related To Salt Tolerance In Bean Plants, Sandra Baumgartner

Masters Theses

Phaseolus vulgaris (navy bean) and P. acutifolius (tepary bean) were grown hydroponically and stressed with -0.25 MPa NaCl for 9 days beginning 22 days after planting. Chloride and sodium distribution in leaves and roots as well as percent ion leakage as an indication of membrane integrity in leaves were determined. Chloride levels in NaCl treated plants were significantly higher than in controls. Chloride levels were not significantly different between plant parts or between plant species. Sodium distribution differed significantly between the roots of navy and tepary but not between the leaves of the two species. Navy root tissue contained twice …

Continuous Passive Motion After Knee Arthroscopy, Lisa Bauman

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of continuous passive motion (CPM) after arthroscopy. A CPM machine was used one hour following knee surgery. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences in knee range of motion (ROM), strength and circumference, at time intervals preoperatively, one, seven, and twenty-eight days following surgery. The analysis of variance revealed no significant difference between the CPM and control groups for any parameter. A significant interaction effect between treatment and time was demonstrated one day after surgery for extension, joint line circumference, and midthigh circumference; and 28 days after surgery for the …

Cessation Of Chronic Ethanol Intake Reverses Ultrastructural Alterations In Ileal M Cells, Robert Rosback Eversole

Masters Theses

Membranous (M) cells of the dome epithelium of ileal Peyer's patches have been shown to serve an antigen uptake function for mucosa associated lymphoid tissue. Hypergammaglobulinemia is a frequent accompaniment of chronic alcoholism in humans and the elevated antibody titers have been shown to be due in part to bacterial and dietary proteins. This study was conducted to demonstrate the morphological changes induced by chronic ethanol exposure in the ileal M cells in the rat.

Chronic ingestion of ethanol produces marked changes in the ultrastructure of M cells. All experimental animals showed distinct mitochondrial swelling with loss of matrix density, …

Disordered Eating, Stress, Failure, And Nutrition Knowledge Among College Women, Deborah J. Fairow

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Cyanogenesis In The Euphorbiaceae, Lucinda L. Horton

Masters Theses

Fresh samples of nine species included in the family Euphorbiaceae, Acalypha qracilens, Acalypha ostryaefolia, Acalypha rhomboidea, Acalypha virginica, Chamaesyce maculata, Chamaesyce supina, Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Euphorbia corollata, and Poinsettia dentata, were tested for the production of cyanide using the Feigl-Anger technique. Two of these taxa were tested for polymorphism of cyanogenesis by repeated testing of the same individuals within a population. Two of these nine species, Acalypha ostryaefolia and Cnidoscolus stimulosis, gave positive results, although not every individual tested was positive. One of the species tested for polymorphism, Acalypha ostryaefolia, …

Tissue Culture In Rice (Oryza Sativa L. Subsp. Japonica Var. Lemont), Young M. Woo

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to obtain callus induction and subsequent plantlet regeneration from various explants of rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica var. Lemont). Callus induction occurred from the somatic cells of ovary wall, immature and mature embryos, immature endosperm, stem nodes, and seedlings. Plantlets were regenerated from embryo-, endosperm-, and stem node-derived calli on differentiation media. Stem nodes were the most responsive to callus induction. Requirements for optimal callus formation and plantlet regeneration differed from each culture. The study investigated the effects of cold treatment of explants, initial culture in darkness, media, and subculture for individual explant …