Digital Commons Network^™

Hydrogeologic Characterization Of A Discharge Wetland In Northeastern Grand Forks County, North Dakota, Dean R. Goebel

Theses and Dissertations

Soil salinization associated with saline groundwater discharge results in decreased agricultural production in the central glacial Lake Agassiz plain of North Dakota. Saline discharge occurs in a belt of ephemeral wetlands in the lake plain. The physical and chemical hydrology of .the Lunby-stewart saline discharge wetland were investigated in order to provide information which could facilitate land management strategies applicable to this and other discharge wetlands.

Hydrologic data used to characterize the wetland were obtained from monitoring wells, staff gages, precipitation gages, borings, and earth electrical resistivity soundings. Temporal and spatial variations were observed in the water table, the vertical …

A Study Of Perceptions Of Special And Regular Education Teachers About Integration Of Handicapped Children, Gwyn K. Marback-Tschosik

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Descriptive Study Of Parenting Preparation Integrated Throughout Lamaze Series, Luella Marie Vitalis

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Fitness Tests As Opportunities For Cognitive Learning : Teaching Body Fatness Concepts While Skinfold Testing, Albert C. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Critical Thinking In One Associate Degree Nursing Program, Margaret Kotek

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Chronic Tension Headaches : An Investigation Of The Appraisal Process, Jeffrey M. Kearney

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Goal Setting On Appropriate Skill Practice Behavior Of College Football Players, Don Bosch

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Of Female Students In Electronics Course Work To Bsri, Recruitment, And Academic Support, Lillian MartíNez Mack

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of The Incidence Of Postoperative Nausea And Vomiting With Propofol To Propofol And Droperidol, Russell Edward O'Connell

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Regulation Of Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase Activity In Rat Pancreatic Acini, Bruce R. Conway

Theses and Dissertations

The present report describes the characteristics and regulatory properties of phosphatidylinositol (Ptdlns) 4-kinase activity in rat exocrine pancreas. The membrane associated Ptdlns 4-kinase displayed a broad pH profile with optimal activity at neutral to alkaline pH. Carbachol (CCh) elicits a concentration- and time-dependent increase in Ptdlns 4-kinase activity in homogenates derived from agonist-stimulated acini. This effect was blocked by N-methylscopolamine and mimicked by muscarine. The enzyme had an apparent Km for Ptdlns and ATP of 4 and 60 uM, respectively. CCh caused no discernible change in the Km for either Ptdlns or ATP, but did produce a modest increase in …

Oculomotor Deficits In Diseases Of The Basal Ganglia: Parkinson's And Huntington's Diseases, Todd B. Baird

Theses and Dissertations

Oculomotor deficits are now recognized as being present in several neurological diseases of the basal ganglia. The present report will focus primarily on those observed in Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. Neuronal cell loss in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra, degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway, and consequent depletion of the neurotransmitter dopamine is the most obvious etiological abnormality in Parkinson's disease. Huntington's disease, on the other hand, involves the selective genetically-driven atrophy of the striatum (caudate and putamen). In order to attempt to understand oculomotor dysfunction, as a component of basal ganglia disease, it is necessary to first establish …

Mature Women Students: Effects Of The Gender Division Of Labor On Education, Sarah Jane Brubaker

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis seeks to better understand the trend toward mature women college students as impacted by the gender division of labor. It is based on qualitative research involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten African-American and eleven white mature women students age 30 and over enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The interview questions focus on two main decision points in the lives of mature women students. The first is defined as the point at which they chose a course of action, other than attending college, after high school, or when they left college. The second is defined as the point at …

Pharmacological Manipulation Of Protein Kinase C Modulates The Growth And Lineage Commitment Of Enriched Human Myeloid Progenitor Cells Induced By Hematopoietic Growth Factors, Fei Li

Theses and Dissertations

The activity of protein kinase C (PK-C) has been implicated in regulating the growth and differentiation of both normal and neoplastic hematopoietic cells. We have examined the effects of the PK-C activators, phorbol 12,13- dibutyrate, mezerein, and bryostatin 1, on the proliferation and lineage commitment of enriched CD34+ human myeloid progenitor cells stimulated by lL-3, GM-CSF, stem cell factor and the lL-3/GM-CSF hybrid cytokine plXY321. Coadministration of these PK-C activators with plateau concentrations of rlL-3 or rGM-CSF induced 100-150% increase in the number of day 14 CFU-GM.with a selective stimulation on neutrophil and macrophage lineages while inhibiting eosinophilic growth. plXY321 …

Missing Data In Repeated Measurement Studies, Kejian Niu

Theses and Dissertations

Repeated measurement data or longitudinal data occur often in statistical applications. For example, in a clinical trial comparing the efficacy of a new treatment with that of a standard treatment, rather than measuring the main response variable only once on each patient, or subject, we can take several measurements over time on each subject.

A Repeated measurement study differs from a longitudinal study. The latter generally refers to any study in which one or more response variables are repeatedly measured over time. The former usually imposes some restrictions on the data. One common restriction is that each response variable must …

Stem Cell Factor In Mast Cell And Schwann Cell Proliferation And Hyperplasia, John Joseph Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a recently characterized hematopoietic growth factor capable of stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of many hematopoietic cells, including the mast cell. We have cloned the gene encoding SCF from a cDNA library prepared from NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, and have characterized the ability of recombinant SCF to induce the development of mast cell-committed progenitors (MCCP), found in the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb-MLN), but not naive mice. We have also examined Schwann cells, mast cells, and reproductive tissues for their ability to produce SCF.

We have found that recombinant …

A Study Of Virginia Public-School Affiliated Ged Instructors Who Teach Writing Skills For The Essay Component Of The Ged Writing Skills Test, Rodger Leonard Doss

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic characteristics, instructional approach, perceptions toward inservice training, and awareness and use of adult education theory/principles of public-school affiliated GED instructors in Virginia who teach writing skills for the essay component of the GED Writing Skills Test. An additional purpose of the study was to compare student performance on a sample of GED essays to determine the relationship of student performance with teacher demographic characteristics and teacher instructional approach as identified by the product and process scale scores.

The GED teachers who participated in the study were identified through the cooperation …

Adolescents' Perceptions Of The Effects Of School-Based Family Life Education On Utilization Of Parents As A Resource For Problem Solving And For Sex-Specific Information, Bonnie B. Dowdy

Theses and Dissertations

Parental involvement is assumed to be an important component of successful school-based family life education programs. Historically, however, parents have been described as uninvolved in their adolescents’ sexuality education. Few data exist that explain either parents’ non-involvement or adolescents’ perceptions of parents as resources to support healthy sexual development. Existing research adopts a narrow, social control perspective on adolescent sexuality and on evaluation of community-based sexuality education programs. Given the increasing numbers of school-based family life education programs and of national organizations encouraging parental involvement components in preventive programs, empirical research on the interface of school and home-based sexuality education …

The Social Construction Of Abortion, Alexis Lora Ruffin

Theses and Dissertations

The essential socio-political question abortion raises is twofold: within whose legitimate province is the abortion decision to be made and what are the salient factors in determining subsequent resolutions over access. The answers speak to perceptions of legitimate authority, which are fundamental to the social construction of abortion.

The disparate literature on abortion was examined to develop a typology of perspectives on abortion. Theories from feminist sociology and social psychology were employed to examine the impact abortion access and the subsequent negotiation over legitimate authority have on the social order. The underlying hypothesis of this research is that abortion is …

The Relationship Of Gender And Marital Status To Depression And Personality And Demographic Variables Among The Well Elderly, Virginia C. Schwalm

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of gender and marital status to depression and personality and demographic variables among the well elderly.

There were three research questions: (1) By gender, what is the relationship of the inventory scales scores and the demographic variables to the CES-D Depression Scale? (2) Are there significant gender differences on the inventory scales scores and on the demographic variables? (3) Is there a gender by marital status interaction on the CES-D Depression Scale scores and on the inventory scales scores?

Subjects were 214 females and 103 males ages 55 to over …

An Analysis Of Reading Growth Of Two Randomly Selected "At-Risk" Students: A Four Year Study, Gayle D. Moyle

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Study Of The Adoption And Effectiveness Of Electronic Mail At The Air Force Institute Of Technology, Douglas D. White

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated the relationship between the adoption and effectiveness of electronic mail at the Air Force institute of Technology's School of Systems and Logistics (LS). In this research, theories concerning innovation adoption and measurement of system effectiveness are discussed. Survey instruments from both areas were selected, tested, and used to collect data from the LS faculty and staff. Correlation analysis was performed using the data collected. Findings indicate a correlation does exist between the adoption of electronic mail and the effectiveness surrogate measurement, user satisfaction. There was a significantly strong negative correlation between electronic mail complexity and user satisfaction.

An Expert System Advisor For Medical Evaluation Boards, Jerry S. G. Harrington

Theses and Dissertations

Expert system technology has proven itself to be able to improve productivity and decision making in a variety of fields of endeavor. The purpose of this study was to determine if an expert system for medical evaluation boards (MEBs) could improve upon the processing of medical evaluation board cases. Research was conducted to develop an expert system and measure the capabilities of the system, both in terms of accuracy and timeliness of case completion of the medical evaluation administrators/clerks who were assisted by the system. The research methodology involved a three - phase approach. The objective of phase one was …

Speech Recognition Using Multiple Features And Multiple Recognizers, Thomas F. Rathbun

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the feasibility of using multiple features and multiple recognizers to perform isolated word recognition. This is accomplished by performing multiple independent recognition tests and fusing the results together to get a single recognition result. The speech data is recorded and each word is extracted into a separate file. Eight features are calculated for each word. The features are calculated on 512 sample time slices and produce 16 component vector output. The three recognizers use the eight features to produce a total of 24 error distance lists. These lists are then fused together …

Evaluation Of Scalar Value Estimation Techniques For 3d Medical Imaging, Rob W. Parrott

Theses and Dissertations

Scalar value estimation in 3D medical imaging increases data resolution for enhanced renditions and corrects inaccurate surface formations. Accurate estimations are vital because clinical assessment is often aided by examination of 3D medical images. This thesis explores different estimation techniques and introduces the geostatistical estimation technique called kriging to the field of 3D imaging. Kriging theory claims to be the optimal estimator-- better than the standard deterministic methods commonly used. The techniques investigated are linear interpolation, trilinear interpolation, tricubic interpolation, and kriging. This research investigates scalar value estimation in the volume pre-processing operation of slice interpolation and in a surface …

Performance Analysis Of The Speckle Holography Image Reconstruction Technique, Rudolf N. Vonniederhausern

Theses and Dissertations

In speckle holography, short exposures frames along with wave front measurements allow post processing image reconstruction. With speckle holography the amplitude of high spatial frequencies is boosted to allow resolution out to the diffraction limit of the telescope. To provide system parameters for the wave front sensor design, a software analysis program has been developed that provides the system transfer function as a function of the number and size of sensor subapertures and sensor noise. Trends in the ratio of the atmospheric coherence diameter to wave front subaperture size and the effect on the system transfer function have been obtained. …

A Topographical Analysis Of The Human Electroencephalogram For Patterns In The Development Of Motion Sickness, George S. Vogen

Theses and Dissertations

A topographical analysis was performed on 12 electroencephalograms (EEGs) collected from 10 volunteers who experienced motion sickness through cross-coupled Coriolis stimulation. Seven males and three females participated in the research conducted at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright- Patterson AFB. Two male volunteers participated in double-blind placebo/ phenytoin trials. Static brain maps and dynamic EEGs which focused on delta (below 3Hz) activity during the development of motion sickness revealed a seizure-like propagation pattern. With initial symptoms, a clear left parietal focus was seen in all records. A less dominant left fronto-temporal focus was present in 11 of the 12 …

Grand Forks Housing Study, John Leland Sauter

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Certified Public Accountants Key Considerations In Establishing A Personal Financial Planning Practice, Darrell A. Flynn

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Characterizing The Sensitivity, Selectivity, And Reversibility Of The Metal-Doped Phthalocyanine Thin-Films Used With The Interdigitated Gate Electrode Field-Effect Transistor (Igefet) To Detect Organophosphorous Compounds And Nitrogen Dioxide, Clayton P. Howe

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the sensitivity, reversibility, and selectivity of the thin film coatings used on the interdigitated gate electrode field effect transistor (IGEFET) gas microsensor. These responses were quantified based on the dc resistance changes and frequency domain responses of the microsensor. The thin-film materials included: copper phthalocyanine (CuPc), nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc), and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc). The challenge gases included: diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, and boron trifluoride. Tests of the CuPc thin-films and nitrogen dioxide challenges established the primary set of test parameters expected to maximize the selectivity, sensitivity, and reversibility of the thin-film coatings. …

Effects Of An Exercise Program On Mentally Impaired Older Adults In A Long-Term Care Facility, Linda D. Bane Frizzell

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a contradistinction to research which assesses the effects of exercise only on older adults who are in good health. This study examined the effect of an eight-week exercise program on 24 individuals with mental impairments, primarily Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Subjects were volunteers who resided in a long-term care skilled nursing facility (SNF). Group composition was 7 males, mean age 83.29 and 17 females, mean age 88.71; mental and physical function levels varied from supervised to total dependence of care. Six variables were tested: right and left shoulder flexibility, right and left hand grip strength, modified sit …