250 research outputs found
Mediator displacement LAMP: a novel method for universal sequence-specific detection of isothermal nucleic acid amplification
No full textNucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are an essential diagnostic tool throughout the field of life sciences, including clinical applications, food quality control, and environmental monitoring. In the last 20 years, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been steadily replaced by isothermal alternatives. These are especially suitable for point-of-need (PON) applications. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) stands out as a particularly robust and highly sensitive method. Special attention is given to the sequence-specific, fluorescence-based detection of LAMP, which allows the highly specific and simultaneous detection of various targets (multiplexing). However, current state-of-the-art methods suffer from complex probe design and elaborate optimization work, which is required for the detection of different targets due to the use of target-specific fluorogenic probes. The principal objectives of this thesis are first, to develop an improved sequence-specific detection method for LAMP with a simplified probe design, second, to verify its analytical performance and third, to validate the method by using it to analyze clinical samples. Furthermore, the feasibility of transferring the novel method to two other platforms, digital nucleic acid testing and electrochemical nucleic acid testing, is investigated. A novel method was successfully developed and named mediator displacement (MD) LAMP. MD LAMP stands out from other state-of-the-art methods because of its use of unique, target-independent fluorogenic reporter molecules. The working principle involves a non-fluorogenic MD probe which features a primer bound to a generic mediator. Mediator displacement occurs during the amplification of target DNA. Fluorescence signal generation is then induced by the interaction between the displaced mediator and a universal reporter molecule. The universal mediator-reporter set can be used to detect various targets. Simplified probe design was demonstrated by the example of a reverse transcription (RT)-LAMP of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 RNA. The time required for MD probe design was first compared with the time needed to create a state-of-the-art molecular beacon (MD: 10 minutes, molecular beacon: 3–4 hours). Moreover, HIV-1 MD RT-LAMP surpassed molecular beacon-based HIV-1 RT-LAMP, with times to positive 4.1 ± 0.1 minutes shorter (16–20 minutes for 10^3–10^6 HIV RNA copies per reaction) and double the signal-to-noise fluorescence ratio (MD: 5.9 ± 0.4, molecular beacon: 2.7 ± 0.4; n = 15). The analytical performance parameters were equally good for both detection methods (limit of detection for MD: 132 HIV RNA copies per reaction, molecular beacon: 141 HIV RNA copies per reaction; linearity for MD and molecular beacon: R^2 = 0.94). Furthermore, multiplex detection of two different targets was demonstrated in a biplex MD RT-LAMP for the simultaneous detection of HIV-1 and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1. To present an additional possible application, the biplex RT-LAMP of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 was transferred to a centrifugal microfluidic platform for digital nucleic acid amplification in droplets. Digital NAATs allow precise quantification without the need for standard curves. Compared to existing viral load measurements, the novel assay excelled through the simultaneous and quantitative detection of relevant coinfections. The universal mediator-reporter sets were successfully used for the detection of a second clinically relevant target panel, which is associated with yaws, a neglected tropical disease. For the molecular detection of yaws, a biplex MD LAMP of Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus ducreyi (TPHD-LAMP) was designed, optimized and clinically validated with 293 patient samples. The samples originated from individuals with yaws-like skin lesions in Ghana and Papua New Guinea. So far, no isothermal alternatives to PCR which enable differentiation between T. pallidum, which causes yaws, and H. ducreyi, which is responsible for skin lesions of similar appearance, are available. TPHD-LAMP revealed high diagnostic sensitivities and specificities for T. pallidum (84.7 % and 95.7 %) and H. ducreyi (91.6 % and 84.8 %) compared to TaqMan singleplex qPCR. TPHD-LAMP has become the focus of a large clinical trial conducted in three yaws endemic African countries and linked to the goal of supporting national yaws eradication programmes. So far, the analytical performance of MD LAMP has been verified, the feasibility of a digital MD RT-LAMP has been shown, and MD LAMP has been clinically validated with patient samples. To emphasize the versatility of this novel method, its compatibility with real-time electrochemical NAATs was also demonstrated. Microarray-based electrochemical detection facilitates the simultaneous detection of multiple targets by using spatially-resolved measurement with the help of immobilized probes. In addition, it enables the use of very small and therefore portable devices. To exploit these benefits, MD LAMP was adapted to electrochemical detection by immobilizing universal reporter molecules on an electrode microarray. The feasibility of electrochemical MD LAMP was demonstrated for real-time detection of T. pallidum and end-point detection of HIV-1. Rapid signal increase was observed in real time after 15 minutes for 1000 T. pallidum DNA copies per reaction. Electrochemical MD LAMP enables the use of universal electrode microarrays and could thus bring economic advantages with regard to large-scale fabrication. This thesis concludes with a critical review of the methods and the method-related instrumentation for the sequence-specific detection of LAMP, which are based on a diverse variety of sensing techniques. The multitude of methods is systematically classified and critically evaluated according to a catalogue of criteria covering analytical performance, handling of complex samples, multiplexing, and quantification. The most widespread sensing technique is based on fluorescence detection and is used in around half of the discussed methods. A particular highlight is the universal character of a few fluorescence-based methods, which use generic probes applicable to different targets.Nukleinsäure-Amplifikationstests zählen zu den wesentlichen Diagnoseverfahren im Bereich der Lebenswissenschaften. Hierzu gehören unter anderem klinische Anwendungen, die Kontrolle der Lebensmittelqualität sowie die Überwachung der Umwelt. In den vergangenen 20 Jahren wurde die Polymerase-Kettenreaktion (PCR) zunehmend durch isotherme Alternativen ersetzt, welche sich besonders für Vor-Ort-Tests eignen. Die Schleifen-vermittelte isotherme Amplifikation (englisch: loop-mediated isothermal amplification; LAMP) ist eine sehr robuste und hochsensitive Methode. Von besonderer Bedeutung ist die sequenzspezifische fluoreszenzbasierte Detektion der LAMP, die den hochspezifischen und dazu gleichzeitigen Nachweis verschiedener Zielanalyten ermöglicht. Sequenzspezifische Methoden erfordern jedoch ein aufwändiges Sondendesign und für die Anpassung an verschiedene Zielsequenzen zusätzliche Optimierungsarbeiten. Das Hauptziel dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung einer neuen sequenzspezifischen Detektionsmethode für die LAMP, die ein vereinfachtes Sondendesign ermöglicht. Weitere Ziele umfassen die Überprüfung der analytischen Leistungsparameter und die Validierung der Methode anhand klinischer Proben. Darüber hinaus wird das neue Verfahren auf zwei weitere Plattformen (digitale Nukleinsäuretests und elektrochemische Nukleinsäuretests) übertragen und die technische Realisierbarkeit überprüft.Eine neuartige Methode wurde erfolgreich entwickelt und als Mediator-Verdrängungs LAMP (englisch: mediator displacement LAMP; MD LAMP) bezeichnet. Durch die Verwendung von fluorogenen Reportermolekülen, welche unabhängig von der Zielsequenz und somit universell einsetzbar sind, hebt sich die MD LAMP deutlich vom Stand der Technik ab. Bei dieser neuartigen Methode wird eine MD-Sonde ohne Fluoreszenzmarkierungen eingesetzt. Die MD-Sonde besteht aus einem Primer und einem daran gebundenen Mediator. Während der Amplifikation der Ziel-DNA wird der Mediator verdrängt, welcher darauffolgend mit dem universellen fluorogenen Reportermolekül interagiert. Durch diese Wechselwirkung wird ein Fluoreszenzsignal erzeugt, welches detektiert wird. Das universelle Mediator-Reporter-Set ist unabhängig von der nachzuweisenden DNA-Sequenz und kann damit zur Erkennung verschiedener Zielsequenzen eingesetzt werden.Das vereinfachte Sondendesign wurde am Beispiel einer reversen Transkription (RT-)LAMP für den Nachweis von RNA des Humanen Immundefizienz-Viruses 1 (HIV-1) demonstriert. Während für das Designen der MD-Sonde 10 Minuten benötigt werden, dauert das Erstellen eines Molecular Beacons (Stand der Technik) deutlich länger (3–4 Stunden). Des Weiteren ermöglichte die MD RT-LAMP einen um 4,1 ± 0,1 Minuten schnelleren Signalanstieg als die Molecular Beacon-basierte HIV-1 RT-LAMP (MD: 16–20 Minuten für 10^3–10^6 HIV-RNA-Kopien/Reaktion) und erzielte zudem ein doppeltes Signal-Rausch-Verhältnis (MD: 5,9 ± 0,4; Molecular Beacon: 2,7 ± 0,4; n = 15). Die analytischen Leistungsparameter (Nachweisgrenze der MD LAMP: 132 HIV-RNA-Kopien/Reaktion, Molecular Beacon LAMP: 141 HIV-RNA-Kopien/Reaktion; Linearität der MD und Molecular Beacon LAMP: R^2 = 0,94) waren für beide Nachweismethoden ähnlich. Darüber hinaus ermöglichte eine Biplex MD RT-LAMP die gleichzeitige Detektion von HIV-1 und des Humanen T-lymphotropen Viruses 1 (HTLV-1). Um eine zusätzliche Anwendungsmöglichkeit zu präsentieren, wurde die Biplex RT-LAMP für den Nachweis von HIV-1 und HTLV-1 auf eine zentrifugale mikrofluidische Plattform übertragen, welche eine digitale Nukleinsäure-Amplifikation ermöglicht. Eine digitale Amplifikation liefert quantitative Ergebnisse, wobei auf Standardkurven verzichtet werden kann. Im Vergleich zu bestehenden Verfahren zur Messung der Viruslast zeichnete sich der neue Assay durch den gleichzeitigen und quantitativen Nachweis relevanter Koinfektionen aus. Die universellen Mediator-Reporter-Sets wurden erfolgreich für die Detektion von zwei weiteren, klinisch relevanten Pathogenen eingesetzt. Für den molekularen Nachweis der Tropenkrankheit Frambösie wurde eine Biplex MD LAMP zur Detektion von Treponema pallidum und Haemophilus ducreyi (TPHD-LAMP) designt, optimiert und mit 293 klinischen Patientenproben validiert. Die Proben stammten von Personen mit Frambösie-ähnlichen Hautläsionen aus Ghana und Papua-Neuguinea. Bisher gibt es für den gleichzeitigen Nachweis von T. pallidum und H. ducreyi keine isotherme Alternative zur PCR. Die TPHD-LAMP ermöglichte die Diagnose von T. pallidum und H. ducreyi sowohl mit hoher diagnostischer Sensitivität (84,7 % und 91,6 %) als auch Spezifität (95,7 % und 84,8 %). Derzeit wird in endemischen Ländern eine weitere, umfangreiche klinische Studie zur Validierung der TPHD-LAMP durchgeführt. Das übergeordnete Projektziel besteht darin, nationale Programme zur Bekämpfung von Frambösie durch die Bereitstellung der TPHD-LAMP zu unterstützen.Um die Vielseitigkeit der neuen Methode zu verdeutlichen, wurde in einem nächsten Schritt deren Kompatibilität mit einer elektrochemischen Detektion demonstriert. Eine mikroarraybasierte elektrochemische Detektion der LAMP vereinfacht den gleichzeitigen Nachweis mehrerer Zielmoleküle durch ortsaufgelöste Messungen. Weiterhin ermöglicht die elektrochemische Detektion den Einsatz von sehr kleinen, tragbaren Geräten. Um die Vorteile der elektrochemischen Detektion zu nutzen, wurde die MD LAMP an eine arraybasierte Signalerzeugung angepasst. Die Innovation besteht darin, die universellen Reportermoleküle auf einem Elektrodenmikroarray zu immobilisieren. Die Durchführbarkeit der elektrochemischen MD LAMP wurde am Beispiel von T. pallidum und HIV-1 demonstriert. Bereits nach 15 Minuten konnte ein Signalanstieg (1000 T. pallidum DNA-Kopien/Reaktion) in Echtzeit beobachtet werden. Für beide Zielmoleküle wurde das gleiche Elektrodenmikroarray verwendet. Die Verwendung standardisierter Elektrodenmikroarrays könnte im Hinblick auf die Herstellung im großen Maßstab wirtschaftliche Vorteile mit sich bringen.Im letzten Kapitel wird eine Übersicht der vorhandenen Methoden und relevanten Geräte zum sequenzspezifischen Nachweis der LAMP geboten. Die Vielzahl an Methoden wurde systematisch klassifiziert und nach folgendem Kriterienkatalog kritisch bewertet: analytische Parameter, Analyse von komplexem Probenmaterial, Multiplex-Detektion und Quantifizierung des Analyten. Die Fluoreszenzdetektion ist die am häufigsten eingesetzte Methode, wobei die Verwendung von generischen Sonden ein besonderes Highlight darstellt. Durch ihren universellen Charakter können diese für verschiedene Zielmoleküle eingesetzt werden
A Note on Utility Maximization with Unbounded Random Endowment
No full textThis paper addresses the applicability of the convex duality method for utility maximization, in the presence of random endowment. When the price process is a locally bounded semimartingale, we show that the fundamental duality relation holds true, for a wide class of utility functions and unbounded random endowments. We show this duality by exploiting Rockafellar's theorem on integral functionals, to a random utility function.Utility maximization, Convex duality method, Martingale measures
Multiplex Mediator Displacement Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Detection of Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus ducreyi.
No full textYaws, a neglected tropical disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, manifests as ulcerative skin lesions. Nucleic acid amplification tests, like loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), are versatile tools to distinguish yaws from infections that cause similar skin lesions, primarily Haemophilus ducreyi. We developed a novel molecular test to simultaneously detect T. pallidum and H. ducreyi based on mediator displacement LAMP. We validated the T. pallidum and H. ducreyi LAMP (TPHD-LAMP) by testing 293 clinical samples from patients with yaws-like lesions. Compared with quantitative PCR, the TPHD-LAMP demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for T. pallidum (84.7% sensitivity, 95.7% specificity) and H. ducreyi (91.6% sensitivity, 84.8% specificity). This novel assay provided rapid molecular confirmation of T. pallidum and H. ducreyi DNA and might be suitable for use at the point of care. TPHD-LAMP could support yaws eradication by improving access to molecular diagnostic tests at the district hospital level
Robust Exponential Hedging and Indifference Valuation
No full textWe discuss the problem of exponential hedging in the presence of model uncertainty expressed by a set of probability measures. This is a robust utility maximization problem with a contingent claim. We first consider the dual problem which is the minimization of penalized relative entropy over a product set of probability measures, showing the existence and variational characterizations of the solution. These results are applied to the primal problem. Then we consider the robust version of exponential utility indifference valuation, giving the representation of indifference price using a duality result.
Simultaneous detection of HIV and HTLV by mediator displacement loop-mediated isothermal amplification
No full textOn the discrimination between nucleation and propagation in nanomagnetic logic devices
No full textIn this paper we present the extensive nucleation and propagation characterization of fabricated nanomagnets by applying ns-range magnetic field pulses. For that, an artificial nucleation center (ANC) is created by focused ion beam irradiation (FIB) of a 50 x 50 nm area at the side of a Co/Pt island as typically used in Nanomagnetic Logic with perpendicular anisotropy (pNML). Laser-Kerr Microscope is applied for statistical evaluation of the switching probability of the whole magnet, while the wide-field-Kerr microscopy is employed to discriminate between the nucleation process (which takes place at the irradiated ANC area) and the domain wall propagation process along the magnet. We show that the nanomagnet can be treated as a single Stoner-Wolfhart particle above 100 ns field-pulse width, as the whole magnetization is switched during the field-pulse. By contrary, for field-pulse width below 100 ns, the domainwall (DW) motion is the limiting process hindering full magnetization reversal on that time-scale. However, the nucleation still follows the Arrhenius law. The results allow precise understanding of the reversal process and highlight the need for faster DW speed in pNML materials. (C) 2017 Author(s)
Emerg Infect Dis
No full textYaws, a neglected tropical disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, manifests as ulcerative skin lesions. Nucleic acid amplification tests, like loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), are versatile tools to distinguish yaws from infections that cause similar skin lesions, primarily Haemophilus ducreyi. We developed a novel molecular test to simultaneously detect T. pallidum and H. ducreyi based on mediator displacement LAMP. We validated the T. pallidum and H. ducreyi LAMP (TPHD-LAMP) by testing 293 clinical samples from patients with yaws-like lesions. Compared with quantitative PCR, the TPHD-LAMP demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for T. pallidum (84.7% sensitivity, 95.7% specificity) and H. ducreyi (91.6% sensitivity, 84.8% specificity). This novel assay provided rapid molecular confirmation of T. pallidum and H. ducreyi DNA and might be suitable for use at the point of care. TPHD-LAMP could support yaws eradication by improving access to molecular diagnostic tests at the district hospital level
Numerical analysis of stratification and destratification processes in a tidally energetic inlet with an ebb tidal delta
No full textStratification and destratification processes in a tidally energetic, weakly stratified inlet in the Wadden Sea (south eastern North Sea) are investigated in this modeling study. Observations of current velocity and vertical density structure show strain-induced periodic stratification for the southern shoal of the tidal channel. In contrast to this, in the nearby central region of the channel, increased stratification is already observed directly after full flood. To investigate the processes leading to this different behavior, a nested model system using GETM is set up and successfully validated against field data. The simulated density development along a cross section that includes both stations shows that cross-channel stratification is strongly increasing during flood, such that available potential energy is released in the deeper part of the channel during flood. An analysis of the potential energy anomaly budget confirms that the early onset of vertical stratification during flood at the deeper station is mainly controlled by the stratifying cross-channel straining of the density field. In contrast to this, in the shallow part of the channel, the relatively weak cross-channel straining is balanced by along-channel straining and vertical mixing. An idealized analytical model confirms the following hypothesis: The laterally convergent flood current advecting laterally stratified water masses from the shallow and wide ebb tidal delta to the deep and narrow tidal channel has the tendency to substantially increase cross-channel density gradients in the tidal channel. This process leads to stratification during flood.Delft Institute of Applied MathematicsElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc
Speeding up nanomagnetic logic by DMI enhanced Pt/Co/Ir films
No full textWe investigated a newtype of multilayer film for Nanomagnetic Logic with perpendicular anisotropy (pNML) enhanced by the Dzyaloshinskii- Moriya interaction (DMI). The DMI effect provides an additional energy term and widens the design space for pNML film optimization. In this work we added an Ir layer between Co and Pt to our standard pNML multilayer (ML) film stack - [Co/Pt] x4. Multilayer stacks of films with and w/o Ir were sputtered and patterned to nanowires of 400 nm width by means of focused ion beam lithography (FIB). For comparability of the films they were tuned to show identical anisotropy for multilayer stacks with and w/o Ir. The field- driven domainwall (DW) velocity in the nanowireswas measured by using wide- fieldMOKE microscopy. We found a strong impact of Ir on the DW velocity being up to 2 times higher compared to the standard [Co/Pt] x4 MLfilms. Moreover, the maximum velocity is reached at much lower magnetic field, which is beneficial forpNMLoperation. These results pave the way for pNML with higher clocking rates and at the same time allow a further reduce power consumption. (C) 2017 Author(s)
Building Effective Mentorship Dyads with the Use of Attachment Theory
No full textSession presented on Saturday, March 18, 2017: Scope of Abstract: New nurse educators often characterize their transition into the professional faculty role as being fraught with anxiety, uncertainty, and a general lack of confidence (Ferguson, 2011). A frequently identified factor that hinders the role transition is a lack of formal pedagogical education (Schoening, 2013). One evidence-based solution to combat this emotionally tumultuous challenge is through the use of formalized mentoring programs (Ferguson, 2011). According to Brody et al. (2016), 82% of mentored nurse educators report a willingness to mentor others, and 95.5% of the mentored nurse educators would recommend mentorship to new nurse educators. Unfortunately, despite the many benefits of formalized mentorship programs they are not common in nursing education and faculty culture. Significance: Informal mentorship has existed in practice professions throughout history, with nursing being no exception (Ferguson, 2011). Formalization of the mentor relationship originally appeared in business literature and again spread to nursing (Chen, Watson, & Hilton, 2016). Formalized mentor relationships between professional nurses have become more popular and have proven extremely effective in the socialization of new nurse educators (Nick et al., 2012). Despite the many benefits to mentors and proteges, there is no preparation for these roles in postsecondary educational institutions (Schoening, 2013). This Capstone project proposes the inclusion of formal preparation for mentorship in masters\u27 programs, with the inclusion of Attachment Theory and attachment style testing to enhance personalization of goal setting and assist in pairing of mentorship dyads. Mentorship in the literature has been proven to shape new nurse faculty by producing improved job performance, early and more successful career socialization, increased career advancement, retention of talented nurse educators, increased publication rates, improved scholarship, and development of leaders (Ghosh & Reio Jr., 2013). Findings also indicate that there are benefits for mentors as well as proteges when participating in mentor relationships (Ghosh & Reio Jr., 2013). Among the mentor benefits were improved job satisfaction and increased commitment to organizations (Ghosh & Reio Jr., 2013). Conversely, failure of the mentoring relationship has been shown to negatively affect both mentors and protege (Straus, Johnson, Marquez, & Feldman, 2014). Protege of failed mentorships reported decreased job satisfaction, greater rates of anxiety, decreased work life balance, and intention to or having already left a position where the mentor relationship took place (Straus et al., 2014). Mentors of failed mentor relationships report decreased job satisfaction, feeling unsupported by organization, decreased lack of commitment to organization, increased rates of anxiety, decreased scholarship, and decreased work life balance. The number one reason given for failure of the mentor relationship is personality differences (Straus et al., 2014). Literature Review: Database searches for the terms \u27Personality Testing\u27 yield a variety of results. There were a large number of results debating the use of personality testing results, and a comparison of tools. With a huge variety of tests offered by an industry operating in the $500 million range, there is no shortage of studies (Psychometric Success, 2013). The use of personality testing for personnel selection is the topic most commonly found in the scholarly literature searches completed across multiple databases. There is a gap in research exploring the use of personality tests for team or group building and mentorship (Diekmann, Konig, & Saarlandes, 2012). Chosen for inclusion in this literature review were the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Big Five Instrument, and the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR) the short form adapted for business. The three tools were chosen based on frequency of use reported by the searched literature and examined using reliability, validity, and social desirability. Reliability is defined as the reproducibility of the measurement of a scale (Chen, Watson, & Hilton, 2016). Validity is defined as to what extent a tool measures the concept that it claims to measure (Chen et al., 2016). Social desirability is defined as the tendency of respondents using self-rating inventories to score themselves with items perceived as more popular (Backstrom & Bjorklund, 2013). Myers Briggs Type Indicator: The MBTI was the most frequently found tool on review of literature. Diekmann et al. (2012) reported the MBTI to be the instrument most frequently used by organizations, narrowly beating out the Big Five Personality Inventory. Grant (2016) described the MBTI as \u27the fad that won\u27t die\u27 (p.1). Pittinger (2010) and Diekmann et al. (2012) list numerous issues with reliability and validity with the MBTI, and both disagree with the widespread use. The MBTI is not recommended by this author for use in a formalized mentorship program because of the reliability and validity (0.21-0.91) data and that much of the data is out of date to make it appropriate for scholarly inclusion, as well as a complete lack of data found on social desirability for the MBTI. The Big Five Personality Inventory: The Big Five Personality Test was frequently resulted in the literature review. The Big Five is popular for use in organizations (Diekmann et al., 2012). Hee (2014) reports validity rates of 0.8- 0.9 and reliability rates of 0.71-0.77. With scores recommended above 0.6, the Big Five scores fair to good (Hee, 2014). Lee et al. (2009) recommends utilization of the Big Five for use in mentorship programs although the publication is several years out of date as it was originally published in 2000 and reprinted in 2009. Furnham et al. (2011) produced a study that illustrated a strong correlation between Big Five results and academic performance. Social desirability is a concern for this tool, as it prompted the change in category \u27Neuroticism\u27 to \u27Emotional Stability\u27 shortly after the introduction of the tool (Diekmann et al., 2012). Research by Backstrom and Bjorklund (2013) substantiated the continued effects of social desirability within the Big Five, even after renaming, but conclude that social desirability may not negate use of the tool for recruiting job candidates, and possibly for use in a mentorship program, but would be of considerable note for research purposes (Backstrom & Bjorklund, 2013). Adult Attachment Scale: The Adult Attachment Scale (AAS) is a tool well supported by literature and backed by the Attachment Theory (Wei, Russell, Mallinckrodt, & Vogel, 2011; Miles, 2011). The Attachment Theory was developed by John Bowlby and Mary Aisnworth (1969/1982) to examine the bond between children and parents (Germain, 2011). Multiple studies have successfully demonstrated the expansion of Attachment Theory to assist in the understanding of adult relationships, especially in times of stress (Germain, 2011; Miles, 2011). Several attachment measurement tools are available and most with good reliability and validity data (Frias, Shaver, Mikulincer, 2014). The AAS tool boasts fair to good reliability (0.78-0.93) and validity (0.77-0.87) rates. This tool is available online for free with extensive information on use of results (Miles, 2011; Paetzold, 2015). When examined for social desirability attachment studies have not been found to be contaminated with bias (Frias, Shaver, Mikulincer, 2014). Literature review does yield substantial data on recommendation for use in improving close relationships, and is even mentioned by Miles (2011) for use in mentoring (Paetzold, 2015). Based on support in the scholarly literature, reliability, and validity the author has chosen the AAS for application to formalized mentorship programs and dyad pairing. Evaluation Process: Evaluation of the proposed change would be two-fold. Students of the course or seminar would be asked to complete a survey at the beginning and end of the course or seminar pertaining to mentorship, and a follow-up post graduation survey would also be implemented to see if the student participated in a mentor relationship, formal or informal, and if the coursework was of assistance. Measurement of this data could lead to further revision of coursework, and possible avenues of new research into professional nurse mentorship programs thus guiding further change according to Lewin\u27s change theory model (unfreeze-changing-refreeze) (Shirey, 2013). Qualitative analysis of the survey data would be gathered for publication and adaption to new areas of nursing where mentorship would be welcomed for staff retention or culture change is needed. Learning Objectives: 1. Learners will be able to identify personality differences as the number one reason given for the failure of formalized mentor relationships and possible consequences for the mentor and protege if the relationship fails. 2. Learners will be able to defend application of Attachment Theory concepts to mentorship and how these will contribute to strategies that enhance mentor relationships and healthy work environments
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