An automated luminometer was designed and constructed to facilitate the investigation of reaction conditions and quantitation of the chemiluminescence observed during the oxidation of NADH by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of eosin. The luminometer design incorporates a computer controlled reagent induction system, pulse counting detector and real time display of luminescence profiles. Each of the major reaction conditions was studied individually to determine the most favorable conditions for the analytical application of this reaction. In addition, this chemiluminescent reaction was studied to determine if the luminescing species is recycled. If this were the case it would provide the first essential step necessary for the future design of a chemiluminescent probe that could be reusable or be used for continuous monitoring. During the course of this investigation it was observed that the luminescing species, eosin, was being bleached. A number of experiments were undertaken to determine the nature of the bleaching process. Those steps which suppressed the bleaching process, unfortunately, also suppressed the emission process. Despite the fact that this reaction does not appear to recycle the luminescing species, it does provide a chemiluminescent method for the determination of NADH over the range 5x10⁻⁶ M to 5x10⁻⁴ M. This chemiluminescent reaction has also been coupled to several enzyme systems, which reduce NAD⁺ to NADH, in order to obtain a chemiluminescent signal proportional to the substrate concentration. / Ph. D.

The current study investigated the relationship between principles of social learning theory and binge eating episodes in 31 normal weight bulimic women. Participants were asked to monitor the following: (1) levels of self-efficacy related to resisting the urge to binge and/or purge as well as levels of self-efficacy related to handling stressful events, (2) mood states, (3) enjoyment of daily activities, (4) number of stressful events, and (5) number of binging and purging episodes. Participants were asked to monitor these events four times a day for seven days. Measures of locus of control and enjoyment ratings of binging and purging were also gathered prior to monitoring. Results indicated that components of social learning theory predict number of binging and purging episodes. The best predictors were a combination frequency of binging, lowered levels of self-efficacy to resist the urge to binge, and having a general tendency to not feel in control of one's response-outcomes. However, heterogeneity within the group was apparent in that the predictive models failed to significantly predict binging and purging for all participants. It was also the case that there were differences in predictors of binging and purging on an individual level of analysis. For all individuals, self-efficacy to resist the urge to binge/purge was the only consistent predictor of these episodes. For four individuals, frequency of prior binging was an important predictor. Post-hoc analyses suggest that for the group as a whole self-efficacy expectancies affect current behavior more than current behavior affects future expectancies. Even here, variability exists at the individual level of analysis. For four participants, behaviors were more strongly related to subsequent expectancies than expectancies were related to subsequent behaviors. These findings increase our understanding of the role of social learning theory in predicting episodes of binge eating and purging, often thought to be a cycle of maladaptive, negatively reinforced behaviors. The results also have important implications for assessment and treatment of bulimia using a cognitive/behavioral model. The presence of individual differences in the applicability of the predictive models and the relationships between expectancies and behaviors over the course of several time periods suggests that a treatment approach emphasizing the relationship between expectancies and behaviors may have more or less meaning for different individuals. Future research should replicate, cross-validate and expand these findings in order to clarify these issues. / Ph. D.

Three block copolymer systems where one block was that of an engineering thermoplastic were examined. The first was that of polysulfone-polyarylester block copolymers where glassy-crystalline block copolymers were synthesized and characterized. The morphology of the block copolymers could be controlled by varying the chemical microstructure of the polyester segment. Solvent resistance was shown to improve as the level of crystallinity was increased. Segmented block copolymers of an amorphous polyarylester and polydimethylsiloxane were also investigated. Both the random-block and perfectly alternating synthetic routes were used and it was found that the perfectly alternating technique produced a more regular morphology; than the random-block technique. A study was also carried out on the incorporation of small amounts of polysulfone-polydimethylsiloxane block copolymers blended into homopolysulfone. Improved fracture toughness was observed without a significant loss of stiffness. The morphology of block copolymer particles dispersed in the polysulfone matrix was directly observed through transmission electron microscopy. / Ph. D.

Are the cognitive and reality correlates of depression similar across different socioeconomic classes? There is reason to suspect that they are not. Depression in the lower class may be tied more to bad life events than to aberrant cognitions, while depression in the middle and upper classes may show the opposite pattern. However, no study has investigated these possibilities. In the present investigation, 396 college students completed questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms, social support, occurrence of life events, dysfunctional attitudes, and attributional style. Some support for the hypothesis of different correlates across SES classes was found, but for the most part, correlates were the same in all classes. Depression was correlated with the occurrence of aversive life events, with the endorsement of dysfunctional attitudes, and with an attributional style in which bad events were explained with Internal, Stable and Global causes. This pattern was consistent across the sexes. Possible reasons for the results and implications are discussed. / Ph. D.

The primary objective of this research was to examine the potential impact of financial deregulation on capital availability in nonmetropolitan areas of Virginia by determining whether bank behavior and performance vary by the institutional structure of the bank. The research approach combines a case study analysis of bank decision making with an aggregate analysis of operating ratios that are important indicators of bank performance. The lexicographic ordering technique is used to test the behavioral hypothesis that rural banks affiliated with a multi-bank holding company have the same operating goals as rural independent unit banks. The corollary behavioral hypothesis that rural affiliate banks have the same operating flexibility as rural independent banks was tested by using the case studies to identify the administrative level at which policies are set and the influence of local conditions on the policy making process. The hypothesis that the market performance of rural affiliate banks is the same as that of independent banks was tested by using discriminant analysis to determine the statistical significance of bank operating ratios in distinguishing between rural affiliate banks from rural independent banks. The test of the behavioral hypothesis provided limited evidence of differences in the operating goals of rural affiliate and independent banks and, therefore, the behavioral hypothesis was not rejected. The case studies identified important differences in operating flexibility, with independent bankers having greater flexibility in decision making. Therefore, the corollary behavioral hypothesis was rejected. The results of the discriminant analysis showed no striking performance differences, providing no basis for rejecting the performance hypothesis. However, two ratios were important in separating independent banks from affiliate banks. The equity capital/total assets ratio and the agricultural loans/total loans ratio were higher for independent banks. This study also identified a difference in the potential range of services offered by the banks, with affiliates able to utilize the full range of financial and human resources of the holding company to meet local capital needs. This study identified differences between independent banks and affiliate banks that result from their differing institutional structures. These differences will most likely persist in a post-deregulation environment and suggest that financial deregulation may affect future capital availability in nonmetropolitan areas of Virginia. / Ph. D.

Transport properties of bovine intestinal brush border membranes were investigated. Isolation of brush border membrane vesicles involved magnesium precipitation followed by a sucrose density gradient. Characterization by alkaline phosphatase activity (the brush border marker enzyme) showed 7 fold enrichment over homogenate at the interface between 38 and 42% sucrose. This fraction was employed to study transport of sugars and amino acids. Transport of D-glucose into an osmotically active space, was sodium stimulated, and inhibited by phloridzin, D-galactose, and D-xylose. Transport of L-alanine was sodium stimulated and mediated by at least two systems. Apparent affinities for L-alanine transport were .039, and .943 mM. Maximum velocities were 29.2, and 53.4 pmoles/mg protein/sec, for the two systems. Transport of L-proline, L-lysine, L-methionine, and L-phenylalanine were sodium stimulated. Data indicated sodium independent transport accounted for more influx of L-lysine, L-methionine, and L-phenylalanine than sodium dependent transport. Sodium dependent and sodium independent fluxes were equal for uptake of L-proline. Amino acid inhibition data indicated a common transporter for methionine, alanine, and phenylalanine. There was an additional methionine transport system not shared by alanine or phenylalanine. None of the amino acids effectively inhibited methionine uptake. Data indicated praline was transported by system(s) not shared by the other amino acids. Bovine brush border membranes transported the amino acid analog alpha-methyl-aminoisobutyric acid by sodium stimulated processes. / Ph. D.

Job satisfaction has enjoyed a long history of investigation by many scholars in a great diversity of situations. Few studies have been done, however, in the public sector. Earlier studies were restricted in terms of theoretical approach and also methodologically flawed when they ignored the measurement problems in their analysis. The major purposes of this study have been to present a refined model of job satisfaction and to test it with more caution on measurement problems. The structural equations model with latent variables is the approach used to estimate the model. The data were from the Federal Employee Attitude Survey. These data were analyzed by using a computer program called LISREL. The results confirm the findings reported by the job design school. That is, individuals with high growth need strength tend to have positive perceptions about their jobs and consequently are satisfied with them. This study also suggests the direct and indirect effects of goal setting. Race, age, job status, and job longevity are found to have low effects upon job satisfaction. All these findings support the previous research. However, this study indicates the insignificant effects of feedback, sex, and educational level upon job satisfaction. The rejection of sex and educational level confirms the previous research. The rejection of feedback is surprising, however, since it contrasts with the consistent reports on the importance of feedback as a significant determinant of job satisfaction. Overall, the model proposed in this study can explain over 70 percent of variation in job satisfaction, which is considerably high. A major contribution of this study is the introduction of the structural equations model with latent variables as a standard approach to develop and test models in organization research. This study also has important ramifications for practitioners at various levels. Generally, it reminds them of the important role of individual characteristics and goal setting as significant determinants of job satisfaction. All in all, this study serves as a beginning of a very long step attempted to understand job satisfaction. The refined model proposed should be replicated to test whether it can generalize to other samples in both the private and public sectors. / Ph. D.

The Precambrian of northern New Mexico is part of an extensive 1,800 to 1,500 m.y. terrane stretching from Colorado through northern New Mexico into central Arizona. Three lithostratigraphic sequences are present in New Mexico. The oldest consists of 1,760 to 1,720 m.y. metamorphosed bimodal volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks to which no basement has been recognized. This juvenile crust developed as a magmatic arc complex and represents an early period of crustal instability. Between 1,755 and 1,700 m.y., the volcanogenic sequence was intruded by voluminous, coeval granodiorites and tonalites which stabilized the early crust. Unconformably overlying the volcano-plutonic terrane is a thick sequence of metamorphosed quartz arenites and subordinate argillites, the Ortega Group, which accumulated on a stable continental shelf. The inner shelf was dominated by tidal processes with subordinate reworking by storm and fair-weather waves. Storm processes were responsible for deposition on the outer shelf. The Ortega shelf sloped gently to the south and experienced an overall transgression which culminated in drowning of the outer shelf with onlap of black basinal muds from the south. Stable shelf sedimentation resulted from prolonged thermal subsidence following cratonization of the juvenile volcanogenic crust by intrusion of granitoid plutons. The third lithostratigraphic sequence, the Marquenas Quartzite, consists of polymictic meta conglomerates and texturally-immature meta sandstones deposited in a braided-alluvial environment. These terrigenous sediments were supplied from the south and pebble compositions indicate derivation from the underlying volcanogenic and shelf sequences. The Marquenas Quartzite signifies cannibalization of the underlying magmatic arc and shelf. succession in response to deformation of the cratonic margin to the south. The transition from arc volcanism to stable-shelf sedimentation and subsequent deformation of the craton margin in northern New Mexico has been recognized in central Arizona and southern Wisconsin between 1,800 and 1,630 m.y. This common crustal evolution suggests that a proto-North American craton margin opening to the south existed from central Arizona and northern New Mexico into southern Wisconsin at ca. 1,700 m.y. and was destroyed between 1,660 m.y. and 1,630 m.y. / Ph. D.

The purpose of the research was to determine the sources of customer satisfaction with apparel factory outlet stores. Six store attributes consisting of physical facilities, location, store service, merchandise, store atmosphere, and promotion were investigated. Data were collected through a mall intercept survey using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 200 respondents participated in the study. The rate of refusal was estimated to be 42 percent. One-way analysis of variance was used to test for differences in customers' perception of stores on six attributes. Differences were found to exist among the stores on three attributes, specifically, "physical facilities," "store service," and "store atmosphere." ANOVA results for importance attached to store attributes showed no significant differences among the customers of the five stores. Correlation analyses showed high correlations between and among perception/importance combinations for each store attribute and overall satisfaction. Multiple regression gave "merchandise" and "promotion" as the best predictors of overall satisfaction. Correlations, ANOVA, and t-test were used to establish the relationship(s) between customer personal characteristics and overall satisfaction. No relationships were found between demographic characteristics or fashion interest, and overall satisfaction. However, buying behavior patterns were found to be related to overall satisfaction. Chi-square tests were used to determine significant relationship(s) between selected personal characteristic variables. Cramer's V indicated the strength of association between variables. Association was found to be moderately strong only between frequency of shopping and distance traveled. Those who more frequently shopped at the store lived nearer the area. / Ph. D.

The change in the number of phase transitions for perturbations of finite range interactions is studied. A Monte-Carlo simulation was performed for a translation invariant spin 1/2 ferromagnetic model in Z² with fundamental bonds A = {(0,0);(0,1)} B = {(0,0);(2,0)} C = {(0,0);(0,1);(1,1);(1,0)} The model exhibits one phase transition if the coupling constant J(A) is zero, but two phase transitions were found when J(A) is non zero and small enough. The generalization of this situation is provided by a construction, due to J. Slawny, which through a sequence of progressively smaller perturbations yields models with an arbitrary minimum number of phase transitions. However, such construction requires the existence of interactions with one fundamental bond such that for all values of the coupling constants the Gibbs state is unique even when the interaction is perturbed by an arbitrary finite range perturbation of small enough norm. In this work it is proven that such property is exhibited by some translation invariant systems in Z^ν with finite state space at each point. The proof applies to models with real interactions and whose fundamental bonds are all multiple of a single bond which is of prime order and which is obtained as the product—in the group ring structure of the dual space—of one dimensional bonds whose non trivial projections at each lattice site are unique. The proof is based on the Dobrushin-Pecherski criterion concerning the uniqueness of Gibbs states under perturbations. Such criterion is restated so that only transition functions on sets of simple geometry are involved. In addition, an algebraic characterization is presented for the set of Gibbs states for ferromagnetic systems for which the state space at each lattice site is a compact abelian group. This is a generalization of the theory originally introduced by Slawny for spin 1/2 ferromagnetic models and later extended by Pfister to ferromagnetic models for which the state space at each point is a finite product of tori and finite abelian groups. / Ph. D.