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Death, Dying, And End-Of-Life Care: Nurse Educators' Prescription For Nursing Education, Carmencita C. Mercado-Poe

Theses and Dissertations

Education on death, dying, bereavement, and end-of-life care is a vital component of the basic preparation of the registered nurse. Yet, practicing nurses continue to report that programs offered in nursing schools do not prepare them adequately to provide comprehensive care to the dying. An explanation given in the literature is that some nurse educators do not value the inclusion of death education in the nursing curriculum. These educators argue that the current curricula are already too full and that skills related to the care of the dying are not as important as life-sustaining skills. They believe that skills related …

Stem Cell Factor And Kit Expression In Type I Neurofibromatosis, Kenneth Eugene Roth

Theses and Dissertations

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited disease characterized by the appearance of multiple neurofibromas and an increased incidence of malignant schwannomas, both of which contain hyperproliferative Schwann cells. Our laboratory previously reported that Schwann cells produce stem cell factor (SCF), a multi potential growth factor known to be involved in mast cell migration and growth. Given the fact that mast cell numbers are increased in both neurofibromas and malignant schwannomas, we set out to evaluate a potential role for SCF in the development of NF1 lesions. First we studied the effects of high doses of recombinant SCF on mast …

Molecular Cloning And Analysis Of The Promoter For Rat Hepatic Neutral Cholesterol Ester Hydrolase, Ramesh Natarajan

Theses and Dissertations

Neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase (CEH) is a key enzyme in regulating hepatic free cholesterol. Using the CEH specific cDNA sequence in the 5'-untranslated region as a primer, 1.3 kb of sequence upstream of the ATG initiation codon was amplified and cloned. Primer extension analysis with total RNA from rat primary hepatocytes identified a transcription initiation site, 60 bases upstream from the initiation codon. No typical TATA-box sequences were found upstream from the transcription start site. However, a consensus GC-box, which can bind the positive transcription factor SP1, was found 35 bases upstream from the transcription start site. In addition the …

Tumor Immunity Following Adenovirus Mediated Herpes Simplex Thymidine Kinase Gene Transfer To Experimental Rat Gliomas, Maulik Raj Shah

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies have determined adenovirus mediated herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene transfer (AV-TK) to be effective for the treatment of experimental gliomas. In this study we report three distinct phenomenon. First, animals with complete regression of subcutaneous tumors upon intratumoral injections of AV-TK with concomitant Ganciclovir® (GCV) administration developed tumor immunity. These animals had the ability to reject a subsequent inoculum of lethal doses of tumor cells. This tumor immunity was long standing and protective as far as 6 months from the time of initial tumor ablation. Of interest, adoptive transfer of splenocytes from AV-TK treated-tumor ablated animals to naive …

Race And Birthweight: The Influence Of Socio-Economic Status And Utilization Of Prenatal Care, Lena C. Frennborn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine how much of the variance in birthweight can be explained by socio-economic status and utilization of prenatal care in Blacks and Whites. Rather than defining race in genetic terms, race was understood here as a social construction. The methodological approach was an analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle IV, 1988. The first, singleton, live birth for each interviewed woman was included, resulting in a sample of 911 women, of whom 313 were Black women and 598 White women.

Consistent with previous research, Black mothers were twice as likely to …

The Nutritional Characterization Of The Carob Tree In The Department Of Cochabamba, Karem Khaterine Loma Mercado

Theses and Dissertations

The nutritional value for the following species have been determined: P.pallida, P.laevigata var. andicola, P.flexuosa, P.nigra, P.alba of the genus Proposis. To obtain this purpose surveys were done about the use and consumption of the Carob Tree in the High and Central Valleys of the Cochabamba Department. As a result of the surveys it was determined that the consumption of the pods made up for 54% of human nourishment. The species that were consumed the most were P.pallida and P.laevigata var. andicola. Within the uses of these leguminous pods, the pods are directly consumed in their raw form and on …

Mormon Women's Sense Of Empowerment, Stace Hucks Christianson

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on the empowering experiences of LDS women within the patriarchal structure as organized by the LDS church. Women in the LDS church empower themselves by drawing both external and internal resources. The degree of flexibility that leaders and member of the LDS church adopt externally influences the degree of empowerment that LDS women. The more internal factors an LDS woman adopts the greater her internal sense of empowerment.

Neural Network Classification Of Environmental Samples, Jeffrey L. Blackmon

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a general methodology for designing neural network classifiers for real-world environmental problems. This methodology is demonstrated through the design of a multi-layer perceptron to classify stainless steel and actinide samples. Neural networks, sometimes called artificial neural networks, have been shown capable of classifying complex patterns. Artificial neural networks are physiologically motivated computer algorithms which attempt to mimic the function of the large interconnected network of neurons in the human brain, which has extraordinary pattern recognition capabilities. These artificial neural networks learn to map a set of input features, elemental composition, onto a set of outputs such as …

The Biodegradation Characteristics Of Proposed Fuel Systems Icing Inhibitors (Fsii), Charles E. Meshako

Theses and Dissertations

The biodegradation characteristics of three fuel system icing ihhibitors (FSII) were evaluated. FSII are jet fuel additives that partition into water readily and are present in the water drained from storage tank bottoms in concentrations approaching 40%. These concentrations raise concerns as to the disposal and handling of these wastes. The current FSII, DiEGME was evaluated along with two new candidates, dipropylene glycol and glycerol formal. DiEGME appeared to be moderately but not completely biodegradable. It is likely that much of it would be removed in a wastewater treatment plant. Dipropylene glycol only showed signs of degradation after more than …

Surfactant Enhanced Microbial Degradation Of Jp-8 Contaminated Soil, John D. Thomas

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort used an automated respirometer to evaluate the enhancement of JP-8 fuel biodegradation, from surfactant addition. Two nonionic surfactants, Novell 1412-7 and Alfonic 810-4.5 were chosen for addition to contaminated JP-8, microcosms at three levels of treatment. The three levels of treatment included sub-CMC, CMC, and supra-CMC concentrations for each surfactant. The Novell II, nonionic surfactant, exhibited inhibitory characteristics, and was eliminated from the study. The focus of the study was to determine if JP-8 was actually degraded, and if enhancement of JP-8 biodegradation would be achieved from surfactant addition. The respirometer was found to be repeatable within …

Environmental Attitudes And Behaviors: An Examination Of The Antecedents Of Behavior Among Air Force Members At Work, Mark S. Laudenslager

Theses and Dissertations

A questionnaire was randomly distributed to members of the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB, OH, with 307 returned. The survey was designed to test the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model developed by Icek Ajzen, and the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) model explored in this research effort. Validation and measurement of the TPB in relation to an organizational setting was accomplished, with the organizational theory of planned behavior (OTPB) developed. The behaviors and intentions individuals have towards recycling, energy conservation, and carpooling were examined, with the demographic variables of gender, age, and education also investigated. …

The Capacity Of The Air Force Satellite Control Network, Kwangho Jang

Theses and Dissertations

The daily mission objective of the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) is to support communication with satellite systems. It is critical that the AFSCN operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Previous work on the satellite range scheduling problem has successfully scheduled over 90 percent of the satellite support requests. This research investigates the capacity of the AFSCN using an available satellite scheduling algorithm. This research has three objectives. The first objective is to be able to generate sample data sets which represent a day of satellite support requests for low, medium, and high altitude satellites. The …

Using Kriging To Interpolate Spatially Distributed Volumetric Medical Data, Stephen M. Matechik

Theses and Dissertations

Routine cases in diagnostic radiology require the interpolation of volumetric medical imaging data sets. Inaccurate renditions of interpolated volumes can lead to the misdiagnosis of a patient's condition. It is therefore essential that interpolated modality space estimates accurately portray patient space. Kriging is investigated in this research to interpolate medical imaging volumes. Kriging requires data to be spatially distributed. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is shown to exhibit spatially regionalized characteristics such that it can be modeled using regionalized variables and subsequently be interpolated using kriging. A comprehensive, automated, three-dimensional structural analysis of the MRI data is accomplished to …

Multidisciplinary And Multiobjective Optimization In Conceptual Design For Mixed-Stream Turbofan Engines, Luc J. J. P. Nadon

Theses and Dissertations

Despite major advances in design tools such as engine cycle analysis software and computer aided design, conceptual gas turbine engine design is essentially a trial-and-error process based on the experience of engineers. Modern optimization concepts, such as multidisciplinary optimization (MDO), and multiobjective optimization (MOO), linked with sequential quadratic programming (SQP) methods and genetic algorithms (GA), were applied to the conceptual engine design process to automate the conceptual design phase. Robust integrated computer codes were created to find the optimal values of eight engine parameters in order to minimize fuel usage, aircraft cost and engine annulus area over a given mission. …

Refined Genetic Algorithms For Polypeptide Structure Prediction, Charles E. Kaiser Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate and reliable prediction of macromolecular structures has eluded researchers for nearly 40 years. Prediction via energy minimization assumes the native conformation has the globally minimal energy potential. An exhaustive search is impossible since for molecules of normal size, the size of the search space exceeds the size of the universe. Domain knowledge sources, such as the Brookhaven PDB can be mined for constraints to limit the search space. Genetic algorithms (GAs) are stochastic, population based, search algorithms of polynomial (P) time complexity that can produce semi-optimal solutions for problems of nondeterministic polynomial (NP) time complexity such as PSP. Three …

An Approach To Evaluate Software Effectiveness, Timothy J. Schalick

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) is tasked with the evaluation of operational effectiveness of new systems for the Air Force. Currently, the software analysis team within AFOTEC has no methodology to directly address the effectiveness of the software portion of these new systems. This research develops a working definition for software effectiveness, then outlines an approach to evaluate software effectiveness-- the Software Effectiveness Traceability Approach (SETA). Effectiveness is defined as the degree to which the software requirements are satisfied and is therefore application-independent. With SETA, requirements satisfaction is measured by the "degree of traceability" throughout the …

Waterfowl Nest Success In Two Habitat Types On Lonetree Wildlife Management Area, Jon Merril Roaldson

Theses and Dissertations

Land managers have long debated the efficacy of available options for replacement plant communities and planted cover on previously disturbed soils. I used waterfowl nest success to evaluate planted cover types of Dense Nesting Cover (DNC) and Native Grass Planting (NP) from late April-early August 1994-95 on 39 Lonetree WMA study areas in central North Dakota. I was unable to detect a significant difference in waterfowl nest success between DNC and NP during 1994-95, despite major differences in cover height and density by visual obstruction reading (VOR) (P=0.001) and maximum height (P=0.02) measures by cover-year interaction. The power of our …

Identifying Indicators Of Program Quality In U.S. Baccalaureate Aviation Programs, Paul Douglas Lindseth

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Linkage-Friendly Genetic Algorithms, Laurence D. Merkle

Theses and Dissertations

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are stochastic population-based algorithms inspired by the natural processes of selection, mutation, and recombination. EAs are often employed as optimum seeking techniques. A formal framework for EAs is proposed, in which evolutionary operators are viewed as mappings from parameter spaces to spaces of random functions. Formal definitions within this framework capture the distinguishing characteristics of the classes of recombination, mutation, and selection operators. EAs which use strictly invariant selection operators and order invariant representation schemes comprise the class of linkage-friendly genetic algorithms (lfGAs). Fast messy genetic algorithms (fmGAs) are lfGAs which use binary tournament selection (BTS) with …

Pulse Coupled Neural Networks For The Segmentation Of Magnetic Resonance Brain Images, Shane L. Abrahamson

Theses and Dissertations

This research develops an automated method for segmenting Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain images based on Pulse Coupled Neural Networks (PCNN). MR brain image segmentation has proven difficult, primarily due to scanning artifacts such as interscan and intrascan intensity inhomogeneities. The method developed and presented here uses a PCNN to both filter and segment MR brain images. The technique begins by preprocessing images with a PCNN filter to reduce scanning artifacts. Images are then contrast enhanced via histogram equalization. Finally, a PCNN is used to segment the images to arrive at the final result. Modifications to the original PCNN model are …

Investigation Of Sorption Mass Transfer Models Using Synthetic Soils, Karla K. Mika

Theses and Dissertations

Grain-scale sorption mass transfer is an important process that must be considered when predicting clean-up time and choosing remediation techniques for subsurface hazardous waste contamination. Rate-limited sorption is responsible for the rebound effect, where remediated groundwater is recontaminated by desorption. Sorbed contaminants are not available for microbial degradation, and the desorption rate may govern the effectiveness of natural attenuation by biodegradation. Grain-scale sorption nonequilibrium is generally attributed to diffusive transport, either in SOM or in mineral micropores. Typically used sorption mass transfer models either fail to reproduce long-term slow desorption (first-order models), or are based on diffusion in assumed (often …

Modeling Marine Exposure To Polychlorinated Biphenyls From Sunken Ships, Charles N. Wendt

Theses and Dissertations

In the past, the U.S. Navy has routinely conducted SINKing EXercises (SINKEX) for training, weapon effectiveness tests, and economic disposal of aging assets. Recent concern over polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) chemicals aboard such target vessels has resulted in a suspension of SINKEX. The U.S. Navy has approximately 200 vessels currently requiring such disposal. Environmental legislation and health concerns preclude selling such vessels to foreign governments or scrapping. This work attempted to model the fate and transport of these PCBs by examining their transport to coastal water and their accumulation in the marine food chain. The model includes biodegradation, upwelling, partitioning of …

The Impact Of Probable Depression On Daily Performance In College Students: "Morningness" Versus "Eveningness", Iwona Chelminski

Theses and Dissertations

In the present study responses on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS- SF), and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CESD) were compared in 1,617 college undergraduates. Also, the "eveningness-morningness" dimension, as measured by the Horne and Ostberg guestionnaire (H&O), was examined among the "probably" depressed student population. In addition, the impact of the "probable" depression on performance on various memory tests at different times of day was investigated. Finally, performance of the "probably" depressed students was compared with performance of the nondepressed students. In the first part of the study 1,617 undergraduates were surveyed and 136 …

Effect Of Catalase Overexpression On Adriamycin Cardiotoxicity In Transgenic Mice, Yan Chen

Theses and Dissertations

Adriamycin is an important anticancer agent. However, the clinical use of Adriamycin is limited by its undesirable side effects, especially cardiotoxicity. One of the most likely mechanisms of Adriamycin toxicity is the production of reactive oxygen free radicals. Catalase is a major enzyme involved in detoxification of hydrogen peroxide (H202) in mammalian cells. It has been shown that catalase activity per g tissue of the heart is very low in comparison to other tissues, being only about 2% that of liver in the mouse. This less proficient ability to dispose of reactive oxygen species may be responsible for the high …

Inclusion Of Students With Autism: A Handbook For Public School Programming, Colleen Trosen

Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Study Of Memory Performance Among Middle-Aged Women: Self-Reported Pre-Menopausal, Peri-Menopausal, And Post-Menopausal Women On Hormone Replacement Therapy, Naiwon Chung Sjulson

Theses and Dissertations

Previous research suggests that menopausal women often complain of increased physical symptoms, depression, and memory difficulties. Reports of subsequent improvement in memory following estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) among the clinical population abound, suggesting a possible link between estrogen and memory performance.

The purpose of this study was to a) replicate and extend previous findings showing a possible link between memory performance and menopause status, b) compare the levels of personal adjustment in terms of physical and emotional symptoms among women at three different phases of natural menopause, c) examine the effects of individual differences that may have some impact on …

Therapeutic Aspects Of Music And Its Effect Upon A Child With Selective Mutism., Sally Anne Seidl

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic aspects of music and its effect upon a child with selective mutism. Selectively mute children are able to speak, but for a variety of reasons, refuse to do so. Music was viewed as a potentially non-threatening intervention appropriate for a child with a diagnosis of selective mutism. A qualitative case study design was chosen for the purpose of this study.One eight year old female child with selective mutism was selected as the subject for this study. Music interventions were conducted on school grounds and sessions utilized various musical activities. A …

Personality Traits And Dimensions Of Spirituality: A Study Of Midlife Males., John Lindquist

Theses and Dissertations

Although there has been a resurgence of interest in the psychological study of religiosity and dimensions of spirituality, few studies have explored the relationship between measured personality traits of normal adults, aspects of spirituality and religious practice. This study is intended to further such an exploration.A sample of 181 upper middle class male volunteers aged 35-55 participated in the study. Participants completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), the Spiritual Orientation Inventory (SOI), the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (SDS), and a Demographics and Religiosity Profile (DRP). The basic design was that of a correlational study, with denominational membership as the grouping …

Interdisciplinary Team Experiences Of Three At-Risk Middle School Students., Judith Ann Davison-Jenkins

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study focuses on the experiences of three at-risk middle school students in an interdisciplinary team organization. The purpose was to investigate the attitudes and experiences of these students as they engaged in the activities of an interdisciplinary team. The sources of data were the descriptive field notes generated by observation, in-depth interviews of the participants, documents from the site, and a field diary which contained the author's reflective insights.The portraits of the at-risk students studied revealed personal characteristics and behaviors that challenged their opportunities for successful school experience. The portraits also detailed elements in their family backgrounds and …

Moral Orientation In Law Students: A Longitudinal Study From A Relational Perspective., Anne Marie Dohrenwend

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine trends in moral orientation among law students at a small midwestern law school. A second purpose was to examine self-silencing of moral perspective in these law students. Moral orientation was assessed at the onset of the participants' legal study (Time 1) and at the end of their second academic year (Time 2) using the Relationship Self Inventory. Self-silencing was assessed at Time 2 only, using the Silencing the Self Scale.Results provide some support for gender difference in moral orientation. Women law students scored significantly higher on Self and Other Care, a manifestation …