Digital Commons Network^™

The Liberal Democratic Party Of Japan: Its Organization And Decision Making Process, Hiroyuki Ikeba

Masters Theses

This study analyzes the behavior of the politicians of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) and the decision making process of the LDP. This study draws heavily on Japanese language sources as well as interviews with leading Japanese Diet persons.

The characteristics of Japanese culture are explained by introducing the works of three scholars. They are: Ruth Benedict, Chie Nakane, and Takeo Doi. It was discovered that the relationships among LDP Diet persons and between supporters and Diet persons are based on traditional societal norms. Furthermore, it was found that the decision making process of the LDP was in …

Regulation Of Leukotriene C4 Biosynthesis In Calcium Ionophore A23187-Challeneged August Rat Peritoneal Leukocytes, James M. Huebner

Masters Theses

Leukotriene (LT) C₄ is a potent myotropic product of arachidonic acid 5-lipoxygenation that is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of immediate hypersensitivity reactions and inflammation. We designed the present study to evaluate the capacity of August (AUG) rat mixed peritoneal leukocytes to generate LTC₄ when challenged with different concentrations of the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 and to test the hypothesis that LTC₄ biosynthesis is regulated via a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanism. The AUG rat, which has a spontaneously high number of peritoneal eosinophils that can be harvested by a simple lavage procedure, is …

Loneliness: Do Living Arrangements Make A Difference?, Judith N. Moore

Masters Theses

This study is an exploratory secondary analysis of loneliness experienced as a serious problem by the elderly. The secondary data were from the Davis (1986) national study conducted by Harris & Associates (1987) for the Commonwealth Fund Commission on Elderly People Living Alone. The independent demographic variables of living arrangements (living alone or living with others), age (65 to 85 and over), marital status (married, widowed, divorced, separated, and never married) and sex by the dependent variable of loneliness (a serious problem or not a serious problem) were measured by chi-squares and Cramer's V test for statistical significance. Results indicated …

Cardiovascular Responses To The Combination Of Caffeine And The Repeated Acquisition And Performance Procedure, Cristin L. Sullivan

Masters Theses

The present study examined cardiovascular responses to the combination of caffeine (250 mg) and the repeated acquisition and performance procedure (RAPP) in humans. Six male subjects were tested in a within-subject, double-blind design. Repeated measurements of frontalis electromyogram (EMO), hand-skin temperature, heart rate, respiration, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were obtained during pre-drug, post-drug, acquisition, performance, and recovery periods. Measures of rate, percent error, and true error were obtained during the acquisition and performance components of the RAPP. Drug conditions (caffeine and placebo) and test orders (acquisition before performance and performance before acquisition) were pseudo- random across subjects. …

A Study On The Causes Of Variations In Transmissivity And Storativity During Pump Tests At Asylum Lake, Paul Joseph Pare

Masters Theses

Over a two year period, Western Michigan University ran a number of pump tests in the Asylum Lake Area in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The transmissivities and storativities calculated from these tests differed significantly from well to well in any particular test, and from pump test to pump test. Utilizing the computer programs AQTESOLV 3.0 and Aquifer Parameter Estimator, a number of T and S values were calculated. After analysis of the results, the following conclusion was drawn. The main reason for the deviations in the T and S values arose from the mixing of the results of numerous methods (some of …

Effects Of Rote Exercise, Imagery, And A Material-Based Occupation On Postural Control In Children Ages 3-9, Robin Lengel

Masters Theses

Occupational therapy is based on the concept of enhancing motor, cognitive, sensory, and psycho-social performance through the utilization of purposeful activities. Purposeful activities are doing processes directed toward a planned or hypothesized end result, and can be naturalistic, simulated, or imagery-based (Nelson & Peterson, · 1989). This study compared the effects of a material-based occupation, imagery-based occupation, and rote exercise on the quality and duration of maintaining prone extension in children aged three to nine.· The quality of maintaining the posture was analyzed using the prone extension postural test (Gregory-Flock & Yerxa, 1984). Duration of prone extension for each child …

Toward A Theory Of Gendered Reading, Larry Edward Schoenholtz

Masters Theses

Sociolinguistic studies have long acknowledged that men and women sometimes read, write, speak, and view differently. This is often recognized as a cultural phenomenon, but there are increasing reasons to suppose that biology may play a larger role in these differences than was suspected two or three decades ago. Over the last fifteen to twenty years, in particular, evidence has continued to mount in that direction from studies in neurophysiology, endocrinology, and infant behavior. In addition, sociobiological perspectives first proposed in the 1970s seem to have met with large success in being confirmed by cross-cultural studies done in the 1980s. …

The Variability Of Carbon Dioxide In The Vadose Zone, John J. Ring

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to observe and attempt to explain the variations of carbon dioxide in the vadose zone of a nature area in southwestern Michigan. Well nests, consisting of discrete soil gas sampling points and temperature probes set at depths ranging from 3 to 53 feet, were constructed in a sandy, glacial outwash plain. Soil samples were collected for analysis of organic carbon content during installation. Soil gas samples were collected periodically from June, 1992 to March, 1993 and analyzed for CO₂ and O₂ concentrations. Occasionally, samples were collected and analyzed for isotopic C^{13 …}

Dynamic Pulse Buckling Of Columns With Viscous Damping, Murli Kadandale

Masters Theses

This is a study of dynamic pulse buckling of columns with viscous damping. The differential equations of motion were obtained using the Bemoulli-Navier hypothesis. The effects of axial and rotary inertia were included in the analysis. The Voigt-Kelvin model for a viscoelastic material is used. The Finite Difference Method was employed to solve the differential equations of motion. First columns without geometrical imperfections were studied, and a correlation between the damping modulus and the more familiar damping ratio was obtained. Then beams with initial geometrical imperfection were studied. A suitable dynamic buckling criterion was defined. It was observed that viscous …

The Concepts Of Paoying And Karma: An Example Of Syncretism, Alexander S. Levy

Masters Theses

This thesis will trace the evolution and modification of the Chinese concept of retribution, or paoying, with the Buddhist concept of karma through three periods of Chinese history: (1) the indigenous phase which comprises the time until Buddhism was introduced to China, (2) the period in which Buddhism was introduced to China and its immediate aftermath, and (3) the post-Buddhist phase in which there was a conscious effort to equate Chinese concepts with non-Chinese concepts, culminating in something that was not singularly Chinese nor wholly Buddhist To illustrate the concepts of retribution I will draw upon folk, or popular literature, …

Band Structure For Acoustic Waves Propagating In A Periodic Elastic Media And Impurity Modes Arising From Slab Substitutions, Abdur Rahman

Masters Theses

In this thesis I study the band structure for acoustic waves propagating in a one-dimensional elastic array which forms a periodic elastic system in which band gaps are opened in the frequency spectrum. Specifically, I study the single impurity problem in this system. An impurity is introduced in the system by replacing one of the acoustic slabs with a new slab of different acoustic medium or by changing the thickness of impurity slab. I study the very narrow (in frequency) impurity modes in the band gaps which are localized about the impurity sites. Then I study the frequency of impurity …

Cumulative Average Pricing Method For Estimating Average Service Life, Mahendra Babu Hosangadi

Masters Theses

The study determined if accuracy of estimation of retirement price of industrial equipment was affected by using a cumulative average pricing (CAP) method at varying conditions of inflation rate, service life, and life characteristics. The study also determined the accuracy of estimating the average life of unaged data by simulated plant record (SPR) method. Thirty-six experiments were conducted at varying conditions of inflation rate, curve type and average life. The study was conducted for two left modal curves, two symmetrical modal curves and two right modal curves at 20 and 40 years average life using three different inflation rates: 3%, …

An Investigation Of Turbulent Taylor-Couette Flow Using Laser Doppler Velocimetry In A Refractive Index Matched Facility, Joseph C. Parker

Masters Theses

Turbulent Taylor-Couette flow between an annulus formed by two concentric cylinders with dead end walls is comprised of complex patterns of vortices. An experimental apparatus was designed to provide refractive index matching between the annulus and working fluid. Optical access was maintained through three sides of the annulus and one end wall. An aqueous solution of sodium iodide was formulated to match the refractive index of the Plexiglas annulus. Laser Doppler Velocimetry was used to measure the three components of velocity and turbulence intensity throughout a planar section in the annulus. The annulus dimensions were: ƞ= 0.672, d = 15.08 …

Class And Gender In Southwestern Michigan: Interpreting Historical Landscapes, Deborah L. Rotman

Masters Theses

The gardens, houses, and barns that comprise the cultural landscape embody information about their makers. Because the built environment is not static, it actively serves to create, reproduce, and transform relations of class and gender. Members of society use space to reinforce and resist relations of power, authority, and inequality. For example, the organization of the landscape facilitates the activities and movements of some segments of society, while at the same time it constrains others. Material dimensions of form and space are differentially acknowledged by members of society because individuals occupy multiple roles simultaneously. Material responses to the social world …

Music Therapy And Rett Syndrome: A Survey Of Music Therapy Practitioners, Stacy S. Gay

Masters Theses

Music therapy practitioners residing in the United States and known to have experience with Rett Syndrome were surveyed to better understand how music therapy aids in the treatment of clients with Rett syndrome. The survey was designed to learn if there were general trends in goals/objectives addressed, session structure used, vocal response to music intervention, strategies toward encouraging independent hand usage, and preferred instruments and adaptive equipment.

Of the 73 sent out to NAMT and AAMT members, 36 questionnaires were returned. Question items that received a 50% or higher response rate by the participants included session structure involving a set …

An Examination Of The Assimilation Process Of Japanese Americans Living In Michigan, Junko Onuma

Masters Theses

Japanese Americans are regarded as one of model minority groups recently in American society. Through the war experience, the Japanese Americans are likely to become upper middle class people and to assimilate into the Caucasian groups.

The purpose of this research is to investigate Japanese method to assimilate into American society. The research focuses on the Michigan area as a particular area of Japanese American assimilation process. The interview research was conducted with 14 people who live in Michigan. These people are classified into the three groups to distinguish differences, historical, and social factors on assimilation. Consequently, Japanese Americans living …

The Effect Of Rotor Wake/Exit Guide Vane Interaction On The Total Pressure Losses In An Airfoil Cascade, Aaron Mosebach

Masters Theses

Computational simulations have been performed to study the effects of unsteady rotor wakes on the total pressure losses and the boundary layer characteristics in a compressor cascade. In the numerical simulations, transitional and turbulent flow conditions were modeled at design and off-design inlet flow angles, and for varying rotor wake widths and wake velocity deficits.

First, simulations were performed in the absence of rotor wakes at the inlet of the EGV (Exit Guide Vane) cascade. Second, simulations were performed for different wake width and wake velocity deficit values at the inlet of the EGV cascade. The majority of the numerical …

Identification Of An Insulin-Responsive Element In The Rat Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Gene, Sheri Lynn Holmen

Masters Theses

The expression of several genes has been shown to be either positively or negatively regulated by insulin at the transcriptional level, however no single insulin responsive DNA element has yet been identified. The transcription factors responsible for stimulation or inhibition of gene expression by insulin also remain to be identified. In recent years, expression of the gene for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in primary rat hepatocytes has been found to be influenced by hormones such as insulin, dexamethosone, and glucagon. The molecular mechanism(s) however, underlying hormonal regulation of G6PDH gene transcription remains to be elucidated. The focus of this study was …

Regulation Of The Expression Of Lipogenic Enzymes By Insulin-Mimetics, Juiyu Wu

Masters Theses

Many researchers have shown that selenate (SeO₄^2-) and vanadate (VO₄^2-) have insulin-mimetic effects in certain biological processes. These mimetic effects include increasing glucose transport, regulating glycolytic enzymes, normalizing plasma glucose levels and activities of insulin regulated enzymes in diabetic rats. To clarify the functions and roles of these insulin-mimetics in different insulin-regulated metabolic pathways, the expression of the genes for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were investigated. G6PDH is a key enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway and is also involved in lipogenic metabolism by providing 55-70% of the NADPH utilization …

Effects Of Insulin And Insulin Mimetics On Antioxidant Enzyme Levels: In Vivo And In Vitro, Shikha Varma

Masters Theses

Tissue antioxidation status is considered to be an important factor for elucidating the etiology of diabetes and its physiological complications. This study was aimed to determine the in vivo antioxidant enzyme levels in the altered antioxidant status of diabetic rat liver with the treatment of two potent insulin mimetics, vanadium and selenate. The direct effects of vanadate, selenate, and zinc (another insulin mimetic) on the antioxidant enzyme levels in primary rat hepatocytes in culture was also determined. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and gluthahione peroxidase (GPX) were determined in both model systems.

In the vivo model, insulin treatment …

Anti-Jewish Polemics In Carolingian Gaul: The Campaigns Of Agobard And Amulo Against The Jews Of Lyons, David Harrison Horton

Masters Theses

The Carolingian emperors were relatively tolerant towards the Jewish communities within their realm. They exempted the Jews from many feudal obligations and gave them charters that protected the role of the Jews as merchants within the empire. These charters also protected the Jewish community from undue persecutions of the Church. The privileges guaranteed within these charters drew criticism from many of the leading churchmen at the time.

The anti-Jewish campaign of Agobard, Bishop of Lyons from 814 to 840, has received a fair amount of scholarly attention, whereas the ensuing campaigns of Amulo, Bishop of Lyons from 841 to 852, …

Loss Associated With Chronic Illness: Application Of The Roy Adaptation Model, Linda M. Dehaan

Masters Theses

The Roy Adaptation Model guided this pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study to test an intervention addressing loss associated with chronic illness. Differences in adaptation and well-being were evaluated between control (n = 20) and experimental groups (n = 20) 30 days after intervention. Adaptation was measured by PAIS-SR scores and analyzed using ANCOVA to adjust for pretest differences. T-test and Mann-Whitney U was used to evaluate well-being as measured by the Global Well-being Scale. Changes in adaptation were not significantly different between groups, but well-being improved 12.8% in the experimental group as compared with 1.4% in the control group. Inconsistency of results …

An Analysis And Evaluation Of The Patristic Testimony From The Second Century Concerning The Authorship Of The Fourth Gospel, Robert E. Dalrymple

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Mind, Might, And Mastery: Human Potential In Metaphysical Religion And E.W. Kenyon, Kevin Scott Smith

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Polymers On Pressure Water Retention And Binder Migration Of Aqueous Coatings, Arvind M. Singhal

Masters Theses

The effects of the molecular properties (degree of polymerization and degree of substitution) of water soluble polymers (containing carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on cellulosic backbone) on water retention under pressure and subsequent binder migration of coating colors are documented. It is concluded that no single mechanism can explain either water retention or binder migration. The dominant mechanisms of water penetration under dynamic pressure pulse are different from the mechanisms of water absorption under static pressure.

It is proposed that the molecular properties affect the rate of consolidation of the coating layer and thus greatly affect the water penetration under a …

A Comparison Of Methods To Allocate Tasks On A Multiprocessor System, Kelly Cousineau

Masters Theses

The task scheduling problem is defined as a sequential algorithm, with individual tasks, t₁, t₂, t₃… having associated execution times to be ported to a multiprocessor system. To determine the fastest parallel implementation is known to be an NP-complete problem, therefore heuristic techniques are employed to arrive at the best solution.

Some of the traditional methods used to solve this problem, are the list scheduling algorithm and the simulated annealing algorithm. However, evolutionary techniques are now also a consideration with the increased computation power available.

Evolutionary techniques, based on the popular theory of evolution, …

The Commentary On Book Five Of Boethius' "Consolation Of Philosophy" By Pseudo-Thomas Aquinas And Josse Bade, Janet Suzanne Evenson

Masters Theses

A transcription, translation and discussion of Book Five of the Dual Latin Commentary of Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy by the scholastic Pseudo-Thomas Aquinas and the humanist Josse Bade is the focus of this study.

The commentary of Pseudo-Thomas Aquinas possesses the scholastic preoccupation with using ancient philosophy to aid understanding of Christian doctrine. The commentary of Josse Bade embodies the humanist focus on the importance of eloquence in written expression.

The findings of this study were that Josse Bade and Pseudo-Thomas Aquinas were products of two different educational philosophies, yet they shared the same goal of wanting to educate university …

Acculturation To A Work Force Of Diversity: Two Case Studies Of Japanese-Owned Companies Operating In The United States, Jun Nagasawa

Masters Theses

This paper explores the acculturation processes associated with Japanese companies corning to the United States, especially focusing on race and gender issues. This was done by related literature review and two case studies of Japanese-owned companies operating in the Midwestern region. Data were obtained using unstructured interviews with workers of the two companies.

Accusations of discrimination against Japanese companies operating in the U.S. of discrimination based on race, gender and nationality are introduced. Japanese and American social backgrounds relating to race and gender, especially in employment area are reviewed. Also Japanese and American management styles are contrasted for analytical purposes. …

An Analysis Of The Korean Political Bureaucracy In Terms Of Riggs’ Theory Of Prismatic Society And Korean With U.S. Bureaucratic Interaction 1945-1953, Jae Jo Lee

Masters Theses

The administrative, political, and social development and modernization experience of Korea for the period 1945 through 1953 was examined in this study. Bureaucratic transformation was understood as significant to developmental outcomes for all facets of Korean society.

The political and social development theory model of Fred W. Riggs, the Prismatic Society, was selected for application in the Korean situation. Prismatic theory itself was first analyzed in detail. Korean bureaucratic formation was elucidated from multiple perspectives. The key factor of analysis was interpreted as being the U.S. with Korean bureaucratic interaction.

The bureaucratic complexity was subjected to analysis in terms of …

Sense Of Coherence, Stressors, Perception Of Stress And Drinking Patterns Among College Students, Jeanne C. Debruyn

Masters Theses

This research examined the protective qualities of Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence (SOC), a social-psychological dispositional concept, in relation of the daily hassles associated with the transitory college years of students, perceived stress, quantity/frequency and patterns of alcohol use. This cross-sectional study (n=103) was site-based in the classroom. Data were collected by survey questionnaire administered by the primary researcher. Results indicated that SOC affords protection to students possessing a strong SOC by allowing them to perceive the hassles associated with college life as less stressful and in ameliorating the negative consequences of heavy drinking. Significant problems with alcohol were found in …