The present thesis is located within the context of the diffusion approximation of Wright–Fisher models and the Kolmogorov equations describing their evolution. On the one hand, a full account of recombinational Wright–Fisher model is developed as well as their enhancement by other evolutionary mechanisms, including some information geometrical analysis. On the other hand, the thesis addresses several issues arising in the context of analytical solution schemes for such Kolmogorov equations, namely the inclusion of the entire boundary of the state space. For this, a hierarchical extension scheme is developed, both for the forward and the backward evolution, and the uniqueness of such extensions is proven. First, a systematic approach to the diffusion approximation of recombinational two- or more loci Wright–Fisher models is presented. As a point of departure a specific Kolmogorov backward equation for the diffusion approximation of a recombinational two-loci Wright–Fisher model is chosen, to which – with the help of some information geometrical methods, i. e. by calculating the sectional curvatures of the corresponding statistical manifold (which is the domain equipped with the corresponding Fisher metric) – one succeeds to identify the underlying Wright–Fisher model. Accompanying this, for all methods and tools involved a suitable introduction is presented. Furthermore, the considerations span a separate analysis for the two most common underlying models (RUZ and RUG) as well as a comparison of the two models. Finally, transferring corresponding results for a simpler model described by Antonelli and Strobeck, solutions of the Kolmogorov equations are contrasted with Brownian motion in the same domain. Furthermore, the perspective of the diffusion approximation of recombinational Wright–Fisher models is widened as the model underlying the Ohta–Kimura formula is subsequently extended by an integration of the concepts of natural fitness and mutation. Simultaneously, the corresponding extensions of the Ohta–Kimura formula are stated. Crucial for this is the development of a suitable fitness scheme, which is accomplished by a multiplicative aggregation of fitness values for pairs of gametes/zygotes. Furthermore, the model is generalised to have an arbitrary number of alleles and – in the following step – an arbitrary number of loci respectively. The latter involves an increased number of recombination modes, for which the concept of recombination masks is also implemented into the model. Another generalisation in terms of coarse-graining is performed via an application of schemata; this also affects the previously introduced concepts, specifically mask recombination, which are adapted accordingly. Eventually, a geometric analysis of linkage equilibrium states of the multi-loci Wright–Fisher models is carried out, relating to the concept of hierarchical probability distributions in information geometry, which concludes the considerations of recombinational Wright–Fisher models and their extensions. Subsequently, the discussion of analytical solution schemes for the Kolmogorov equations corresponding to the diffusion approximation of Wright–Fisher models is ushered in, which represents the second part of the thesis. This is started with the simplest setting of a 1-dimensional Wright–Fisher model, for which the solution strategy for the corresponding Kolmogorov forward equation given by M. Kimura is recalled. From this, one may construct a unique extended solution which also accounts for the dynamics of the model on lower-dimensional entities of the state space, i. e. configurations of the model where one of the alleles no longer exists in the population, utilising the concept of (boundary) flux of a solution; a discussion of the moments of the distribution confirms the findings. A similar treatment is then carried out for the corresponding Kolmogorov backward equation, yielding analogous results of existence and uniqueness for an extended solution. For the latter in particular, a corresponding account of the configuration on the boundary turns out to be crucial, which is also reflected in the probabilistic interpretation of the backward solution. Additionally, the long-term behaviour of solutions is analysed, and a comparison between such solutions of the forward and the backward equation is made. Next, it is basically aimed to transfer the results obtained in the previous chapter to the subsequent increasingly complicated setting of a Wright–Fisher model with 1 locus and an arbitrary number of alleles: With solution schemes for the interior of the state space (i. e. not encompassing the boundary) already existing in the literature, an extension scheme for a successive determination of the solution on lower-dimensional entities of the domain is developed. This scheme, again, makes use of the concept of the (boundary) flux of solutions, and one may therefore show that this extended solution fulfils additional properties regarding the completeness of the diffusion approximation with respect to the boundary. These properties may be formulated in terms of the moments of the distribution, and their connection to the underlying Wright–Fisher model is illustrated. Altogether, stipulating such a moments condition, existence and uniqueness of an extended solution on the entire domain are shown. Furthermore, the corresponding Kolmogorov backward equation is examined, for which similarly a (backward) extension scheme is presented, which allows extending a solution in a domain (perceived as a boundary instance of a larger domain) to all adjacent higher-dimensional entities of the larger domain along a certain path. This generalises the integration of boundary data observed in the previous chapter; in total, the existence of a solution of the Kolmogorov backward equation in the entire domain is shown for arbitrary boundary data. Of particular interest to the discussion are stationary solutions of the Kolmogorov backward equation as they describe eventual hit probabilities for a certain target set of the model (in accordance with the probabilistic interpretation of solutions of the backward equation). The presented backward extension scheme allows the construction of solutions for all relevant cases, reconfirming some results by R. A. Littler for the stationary case, but now providing a previously missing systematic derivation. Eventually, the hitherto missing uniqueness assertion for this type of solutions is established by means of a specific iterated transformation which resolves the critical incompatibilities of solutions by a successive blow-up while the domain is converted from a simplex into a cube. Then – under certain additional assumptions on the regularity of the transformed solution – the uniqueness directly follows from general principles. Lastly, several other aspects of the blow-up scheme are discussed; in particular, it is illustrated in what way the required extra regularity relates to reasonable additional properties of the underlying Wright–Fisher model.

The constant improvements in device integration, the development of new technologies and the emergence of new design techniques call for flexible, maintainable and robust software tools. The generic nature of compiler-compiler systems, with their semi-formal specifications, can help in the construction of those tools. This thesis describes the Wright editor generator which is used in the synthesis of language-based graphical editors (LBGEs). An LBGE is a programming environment where the programs being manipulated denote pictures. Editing actions can be specified through both textual and graphical interfaces. Editors generated by the Wright system are specified using the formalism of attribute grammars. The major example editor in this thesis, Stick-Wright, is a design entry system for the construction of VLSI circuits. Stick-Wright is a hierarchical symbolic layout editor which exploits a combination of text and graphics in an interactive environment to provide the circuit designer with a tool for experimenting with circuit topologies. A simpler system, Pict-Wright: a picture drawing system, is also used to illustrate the attribute grammar specification process. This thesis aims to demonstrate the efficacy of formal specification in the generation of software-tools. The generated system Stick-Wright shows that a text/graphic programming environment can form the basis of a powerful VLSI design tool, especially with regard to providing the designer with immediate graphical feedback. Further applications of the LBGE generator approach to system design are given for a range of VLSI design activities.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Texas at El Paso, 2009. / Title from title screen. Vita. CD-ROM. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

L'objectif de la thèse est d'étudier le modèle du look-down avec sélection dans le cas d'une population composée seulement de deux types génétiques, l'un deux bénéficiant d'un avantage sélectif. Dans cette thèse, cette sélection est modélisée par un taux de mort pour les individus non avantagés. Tout d'abord, nous nous intéressons dans le cas d'une population de taille infinie. Nous montrons que le modèle est bien défini. Nous montrons aussi que dans la limite d'une population de taille infinie, la proportion d'individu d'un type donné suit la diffusion de Wright-Fisher avec sélection. Ensuite nous étudions ce modèle dans le cas d'une population de taille finie et fixée. Nous proposons deux méthodes de convergence de ce modèle fini vers la diffusion deWright-Fisher avec sélection. Enfin, une autre approche est considérée. Nous étudions le modèle de look-down dans le cas d'une population de taille infinie en remplaçant le modèle de reproduction dual du coalescent de Kingman par le modèle de reproduction dual du Lambda-coalescent. Nous montrons d'abord que le modèle est bien défini. Ensuite nous montrons que la proportion de l'un des types converge en probabilité, quand la taille N de la population tend vers l'infini, vers un processus qui est solution d'une équation différentielle stochastique dirigée par processus ponctuel de Poisson. Pour finir, nous montrons que si Lambda-coalescent descend de l'infini alors l'un des types se fixe en temps fini. / The purpose of the dissertation is to study the look-down model with selection in the case of a population composed only two alleles, one of them has a selective advantage. In this thesis, this selective advantage is modelled by a death rate for the wild-type allele. In the first part, we are interested in the case of a population of infinite size. We show the model is well defined. We show convergence in probability, as the population size tends to infinity, towards the Wright-Fisher diffusion with selection. In the second part we study a variant of the simplest look-down with selection where the size of the population is finite and fixed. We propose two methods of convergence of this finite model towards the Wright-Fisher diffusion with selection. Finally, another approach is considered. We study the look-down model with selection when we replace the usual reproduction model, which is dual to Kingman's coalescent by a population model dual to the Lambda-coalescent in the case of a population of infinite size. We first show this model is well defined. We show that the proportion of one of the two types converges in probability, as the population size N tends to infinity, towards the solution of a stochastic differential equation driven by a Poisson point process. Finally, we show that one of the two types fixate in finite time if and only if the Lambda-coalescent comes down from infinity.

The present thesis is located within the context of the diffusion approximation of Wright–Fisher models and the Kolmogorov equations describing their evolution. On the one hand, a full account of recombinational Wright–Fisher model is developed as well as their enhancement by other evolutionary mechanisms, including some information geometrical analysis. On the other hand, the thesis addresses several issues arising in the context of analytical solution schemes for such Kolmogorov equations, namely the inclusion of the entire boundary of the state space. For this, a hierarchical extension scheme is developed, both for the forward and the backward evolution, and the uniqueness of such extensions is proven. First, a systematic approach to the diffusion approximation of recombinational two- or more loci Wright–Fisher models is presented. As a point of departure a specific Kolmogorov backward equation for the diffusion approximation of a recombinational two-loci Wright–Fisher model is chosen, to which – with the help of some information geometrical methods, i. e. by calculating the sectional curvatures of the corresponding statistical manifold (which is the domain equipped with the corresponding Fisher metric) – one succeeds to identify the underlying Wright–Fisher model. Accompanying this, for all methods and tools involved a suitable introduction is presented. Furthermore, the considerations span a separate analysis for the two most common underlying models (RUZ and RUG) as well as a comparison of the two models. Finally, transferring corresponding results for a simpler model described by Antonelli and Strobeck, solutions of the Kolmogorov equations are contrasted with Brownian motion in the same domain. Furthermore, the perspective of the diffusion approximation of recombinational Wright–Fisher models is widened as the model underlying the Ohta–Kimura formula is subsequently extended by an integration of the concepts of natural fitness and mutation. Simultaneously, the corresponding extensions of the Ohta–Kimura formula are stated. Crucial for this is the development of a suitable fitness scheme, which is accomplished by a multiplicative aggregation of fitness values for pairs of gametes/zygotes. Furthermore, the model is generalised to have an arbitrary number of alleles and – in the following step – an arbitrary number of loci respectively. The latter involves an increased number of recombination modes, for which the concept of recombination masks is also implemented into the model. Another generalisation in terms of coarse-graining is performed via an application of schemata; this also affects the previously introduced concepts, specifically mask recombination, which are adapted accordingly. Eventually, a geometric analysis of linkage equilibrium states of the multi-loci Wright–Fisher models is carried out, relating to the concept of hierarchical probability distributions in information geometry, which concludes the considerations of recombinational Wright–Fisher models and their extensions. Subsequently, the discussion of analytical solution schemes for the Kolmogorov equations corresponding to the diffusion approximation of Wright–Fisher models is ushered in, which represents the second part of the thesis. This is started with the simplest setting of a 1-dimensional Wright–Fisher model, for which the solution strategy for the corresponding Kolmogorov forward equation given by M. Kimura is recalled. From this, one may construct a unique extended solution which also accounts for the dynamics of the model on lower-dimensional entities of the state space, i. e. configurations of the model where one of the alleles no longer exists in the population, utilising the concept of (boundary) flux of a solution; a discussion of the moments of the distribution confirms the findings. A similar treatment is then carried out for the corresponding Kolmogorov backward equation, yielding analogous results of existence and uniqueness for an extended solution. For the latter in particular, a corresponding account of the configuration on the boundary turns out to be crucial, which is also reflected in the probabilistic interpretation of the backward solution. Additionally, the long-term behaviour of solutions is analysed, and a comparison between such solutions of the forward and the backward equation is made. Next, it is basically aimed to transfer the results obtained in the previous chapter to the subsequent increasingly complicated setting of a Wright–Fisher model with 1 locus and an arbitrary number of alleles: With solution schemes for the interior of the state space (i. e. not encompassing the boundary) already existing in the literature, an extension scheme for a successive determination of the solution on lower-dimensional entities of the domain is developed. This scheme, again, makes use of the concept of the (boundary) flux of solutions, and one may therefore show that this extended solution fulfils additional properties regarding the completeness of the diffusion approximation with respect to the boundary. These properties may be formulated in terms of the moments of the distribution, and their connection to the underlying Wright–Fisher model is illustrated. Altogether, stipulating such a moments condition, existence and uniqueness of an extended solution on the entire domain are shown. Furthermore, the corresponding Kolmogorov backward equation is examined, for which similarly a (backward) extension scheme is presented, which allows extending a solution in a domain (perceived as a boundary instance of a larger domain) to all adjacent higher-dimensional entities of the larger domain along a certain path. This generalises the integration of boundary data observed in the previous chapter; in total, the existence of a solution of the Kolmogorov backward equation in the entire domain is shown for arbitrary boundary data. Of particular interest to the discussion are stationary solutions of the Kolmogorov backward equation as they describe eventual hit probabilities for a certain target set of the model (in accordance with the probabilistic interpretation of solutions of the backward equation). The presented backward extension scheme allows the construction of solutions for all relevant cases, reconfirming some results by R. A. Littler for the stationary case, but now providing a previously missing systematic derivation. Eventually, the hitherto missing uniqueness assertion for this type of solutions is established by means of a specific iterated transformation which resolves the critical incompatibilities of solutions by a successive blow-up while the domain is converted from a simplex into a cube. Then – under certain additional assumptions on the regularity of the transformed solution – the uniqueness directly follows from general principles. Lastly, several other aspects of the blow-up scheme are discussed; in particular, it is illustrated in what way the required extra regularity relates to reasonable additional properties of the underlying Wright–Fisher model.

The introduction of this thesis is an essay examining the poem Homage to Paul Cezanne by Charles Wright. Claiming that the capacity to serve as intersection of the singular and universal is poetry's means to transcendence, the essay uses the Charles Wright's poem to demonstration this capacity, identifying poetry's ability to access the primitive: its connection to the base of what humanity is and can be, as the means by which that transcendence is possible. Placing the discussion within the context of the Romantic Movement and furthering the literary ideals of the paralleling interior human Nature, to external nature. Following this introduction is a four section collection of poetry, unified by the philosophy of the essay which precedes it.

<p>Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva och analysera högskoleadjunkters uppfattningar om den kliniska utbildningen i dagens sjuksköterskeprogram. Som metod valdes intervjuer med tio högskoleadjunkter från fyra högskolor i Mellansverige. Framkomna data analyserades kvalitativt, utifrån von Wrights handlingsteoretiska perspektiv med de fyra determinanterna vilja, plikt, förmåga och möjligheter. Vårt resultat visade att högskoleadjunkternas vilja kunde urskiljas i fem underkategorier som gestaltade sig som vilja att: finnas till för de studerande, påverka utbildningens struktur, göra pedagogiska val, utveckla handledningen, och en vilja att handla beträffande den egna yrkesrollen. De plikter högskoleadjunkterna uppfattade i sin yrkesroll handlade om såväl deras egna inre plikter och förväntningar på sig själva, som förväntningar från de studerande, kollegor och skolledning. Vad högskoleadjunkterna kunde göra för att påverka innehåll och utformning i utbildningen, samt hur de kunde göra för att påverka, visade sig i vårt intervjumaterial i tre underkategorier där högskoleadjunkternas förmåga framkom. En kategori berörde vad och hur de kunde påverka inom skolans ramar och i samarbetet med andra kollegor. En annan kategori berörde vad och hur de kunde påverka utanför skolans område, till exempel ute i verksamheten, på kliniker och avdelningar, samt slutligen deras egen personliga förmåga till handling. De yttre faktorer som visade sig stå utanför högskoleadjunkternas möjligheter att påverka innehåll och utformning i utbildningen var: de styrdokument och lokala utbildningsplaner som respektive högskola arbetade efter, kollegor, andra aktörer ute i klinikerna, ekonomi samt praktiska premisser för utbildningen.</p><p>The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the college teachers understanding of the clinical education in the nursing programme today. Interviews with ten teachers from colleges in the centre of Sweden were used as a method. By using von Wrights “logic of events” theory, and from questions using his determinants wants, duties, abilities and opportunities, we analysed the data qualitatively. Our results showed that we could distinguish the college teacher’s wants in five sub-categories. They were shown as wants to: bee there for the students,’ create influence to the structure of the education, perform pedagogical choices, develop the supervision, and wants to act regarding the structure of there own role, as teachers. The duties that the teachers expected in their role as a teacher were actions regarding: their duties and expectations from within, as from expectations from the students, the colleagues and the head of the college. What the college teacher could perform, to influence the contents and design of the education, and how they could do it, became evident in our data in three sub-categories, where the college teachers possession of ability was shown. One category pointed out was: what and how they could achieve aims within the frames of the school, and in cooperation with their colleagues. Another category pointed out was: what and how they could carry out their aims outside the college, for instance in the wards or in the clinical area setting. Finally they explained their own personal acquisition of ability for action. The external factors, that were shown to be standing outside the adjuncts opportunities to achieve changes in contents and design regarding the education, were the institutional frames and local curriculum for every college, but also colleagues, other actors in the clinical area, economy, and practical teaching premises.</p>

Syftet med denna studie var att beskriva och analysera högskoleadjunkters uppfattningar om den kliniska utbildningen i dagens sjuksköterskeprogram. Som metod valdes intervjuer med tio högskoleadjunkter från fyra högskolor i Mellansverige. Framkomna data analyserades kvalitativt, utifrån von Wrights handlingsteoretiska perspektiv med de fyra determinanterna vilja, plikt, förmåga och möjligheter. Vårt resultat visade att högskoleadjunkternas vilja kunde urskiljas i fem underkategorier som gestaltade sig som vilja att: finnas till för de studerande, påverka utbildningens struktur, göra pedagogiska val, utveckla handledningen, och en vilja att handla beträffande den egna yrkesrollen. De plikter högskoleadjunkterna uppfattade i sin yrkesroll handlade om såväl deras egna inre plikter och förväntningar på sig själva, som förväntningar från de studerande, kollegor och skolledning. Vad högskoleadjunkterna kunde göra för att påverka innehåll och utformning i utbildningen, samt hur de kunde göra för att påverka, visade sig i vårt intervjumaterial i tre underkategorier där högskoleadjunkternas förmåga framkom. En kategori berörde vad och hur de kunde påverka inom skolans ramar och i samarbetet med andra kollegor. En annan kategori berörde vad och hur de kunde påverka utanför skolans område, till exempel ute i verksamheten, på kliniker och avdelningar, samt slutligen deras egen personliga förmåga till handling. De yttre faktorer som visade sig stå utanför högskoleadjunkternas möjligheter att påverka innehåll och utformning i utbildningen var: de styrdokument och lokala utbildningsplaner som respektive högskola arbetade efter, kollegor, andra aktörer ute i klinikerna, ekonomi samt praktiska premisser för utbildningen. The aim of this study was to describe and analyse the college teachers understanding of the clinical education in the nursing programme today. Interviews with ten teachers from colleges in the centre of Sweden were used as a method. By using von Wrights “logic of events” theory, and from questions using his determinants wants, duties, abilities and opportunities, we analysed the data qualitatively. Our results showed that we could distinguish the college teacher’s wants in five sub-categories. They were shown as wants to: bee there for the students,’ create influence to the structure of the education, perform pedagogical choices, develop the supervision, and wants to act regarding the structure of there own role, as teachers. The duties that the teachers expected in their role as a teacher were actions regarding: their duties and expectations from within, as from expectations from the students, the colleagues and the head of the college. What the college teacher could perform, to influence the contents and design of the education, and how they could do it, became evident in our data in three sub-categories, where the college teachers possession of ability was shown. One category pointed out was: what and how they could achieve aims within the frames of the school, and in cooperation with their colleagues. Another category pointed out was: what and how they could carry out their aims outside the college, for instance in the wards or in the clinical area setting. Finally they explained their own personal acquisition of ability for action. The external factors, that were shown to be standing outside the adjuncts opportunities to achieve changes in contents and design regarding the education, were the institutional frames and local curriculum for every college, but also colleagues, other actors in the clinical area, economy, and practical teaching premises.

Syftet med denna undersökning är att studera gymnasieelevers upplevelser och erfarenheter av relationen mellan lärare och elev samt om eleverna upplever att lärare-elevrelationen har någon inverkan på deras motivation till lärande. Uppsatsens empiri grundar sig i fem kvalitativa intervjuer med elever som går det sista året på gymnasiet. Valet av metod baseras på målsättningen att få en djupare förståelse för elevers upplevelser och erfarenheter av lärare-elevrelationer.   Resultatet av undersökningen visar att eleverna har en entydlig uppfattning om hur en lärar-elevrelation bör vara utformad för att en god relation ska kunna utvecklas. Eleverna är eniga om att goda relationer mellan dem och deras lärare påverkar deras lärandemöjligheter. Resultatet visar att eleverna främst vill ha lärare som är personliga, engagerade och förstående så att en god relation mellan parterna kan utvecklas. Eleverna har även en gemensam syn på hur mindre goda relationer mellan lärare och elever kan ta sig i uttryck, vilket anses påverka elevernas motivation till lärande negativt.   Både tidigare forskning och samtliga elever i undersökningen betonar vikten av goda relationer mellan lärare och elev. Resultatet visar att eleverna anser att det är viktigt att utvecklingen av relationen mellan lärare och elev sker både i och utanför klassrummet. Om läraren hälsar och talar med eleverna utanför klassrummet känner de sig sedda och får en upplevelse av att läraren bryr sig om dem som personer och inte endast som elever.

Background: The delivery of an aerosol via a tracheostomy tube has been previously described with both a tracheostomy collar and a T-piece, but not with a Wright mask, or aerosol mask. The primary purpose of this study was to quantify lung doses using different interfaces: tracheostomy collar, Wright mask, and aerosol mask. The secondary purposes were to compare albuterol delivery between an opened vs. a closed fenestration hole and also to determine the effect of inspiratory time:expiratory time (I:E) ratio on aerosol delivery. Methods: A teaching mannequin (Medical Plastic Labs, Gatesville, TX) with a tracheostomy opening was used. Two of the mannequin's bronchi were connected to a "Y" adaptor, which was attached to a collecting filter (Respirgard ™ II 303, Vital Signs, Englewood, CO), which was connected to a breathing simulator (Harvard Apparatus Dual Phase Control Respirator Pump, Holliston, MA) through a corrugated tube. Settings for spontaneous breathing were respiratory rate 20/min, and tidal volume 400 mL. The I:E ratios were adjusted in the first and second comparisons at 2:1 and 1:2, respectively. The nebulizer was operated by a flow meter (Timemeter, St. Louis, MO) at 8 L/min with 100% oxygen. In every condition, the flow was discontinued at the end of nebulization. The nebulizer was attached to the tracheostomy collar (AirLife™, Cardinal Health, McGaw Park, IL) in the first group, the Wright mask (Wright Solutions LLC, Marathon, FL) in the second group, and the aerosol mask (AirLife™, Cardinal Health, McGaw, IL) in the third group. Drug was eluted from the filter and analyzed by spectrophotometry (276 nm). Data Analysis: Paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated measures ANOVA, post-hoc and pairwise comparisons were performed at the significance level of .05, using PASW version 18.0. Results: Aerosol delivery was greater with the tracheostomy collar than the Wright mask and aerosol mask (p < .05). Closing the fenestration hole increased aerosol deposition significantly at 2:1 ratio (p = .04) compared to opening the fenestration at 1:2 ratio. I:E ratio and aerosol delivery were directly related. Increasing I:E ratio from 1:2 to 2:1 improved aerosol delivery significantly with tracheostomy collar-fenestration opened (p = .009), Wright mask (p = .02) and aerosol mask (p = .01). Conclusion: This study indicates that the use of a tracheostomy collar is the best method of delivering aerosol therapy among the three interfaces. The I:E ratio of 2:1 caused greater aerosol deposition than 1:2 ratio. The aerosol deposition was better when the fenestration hole was closed compared with opened fenestration.