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Biophysics

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Theses/Dissertations

2008

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Markov Chain Models Of Calcium Puffs And Sparks, Jeffrey R. Groff Jan 2008

Markov Chain Models Of Calcium Puffs And Sparks, Jeffrey R. Groff

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Localized cytosolic Ca2+ elevations known as puffs and sparks are important regulators of cellular function that arise due to the cooperative activity of Ca2+-regulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) or ryanodine receptors (RyRs) co-localized at Ca2+ release sites on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum or sarcoplasmic reticulum. Theoretical studies have demonstrated that the cooperative gating of a cluster of Ca2+-regulated Ca 2+ channels modeled as a continuous-time discrete-state Markov chain may result in dynamics reminiscent of Ca2+ puffs and sparks. In such simulations, individual Ca2+-release channels are coupled via a mathematical representation of the local [Ca2+] and exhibit "stochastic Ca2+ …


Markov Chain Models Of Instantaneously Coupled Intracellular Calcium Channels, Hilary Deremigio Jan 2008

Markov Chain Models Of Instantaneously Coupled Intracellular Calcium Channels, Hilary Deremigio

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Localized calcium elevations known as calcium puffs or sparks are cellular signals arising from cooperative activity of clusters of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) or ryanodine receptors (RyRs) located at calcium release sites on the endoplasmic or sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. When Markov chain models of these intracellular calcium-regulated calcium channels are coupled via a mathematical representation of the calcium microdomain, simulated calcium release sites may exhibit the phenomenon of "stochastic calcium excitability" where the IP3Rs or RyRs open and close in a concerted fashion. Although the biophysical theory relating the kinetics of single channels to the collective phenomena of puffs and …


Probability Density Methods For Modeling Local And Global Aspects Of Intracellular Calcium Signaling, G. S. Blair Williams Jan 2008

Probability Density Methods For Modeling Local And Global Aspects Of Intracellular Calcium Signaling, G. S. Blair Williams

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Considerable insight into intracellular calcium (Ca) responses has been obtained through the development of whole cell models that are based on molecular mechanisms, e.g., the kinetics of intracellular Ca channels and the feedback of Ca upon these channels. However, a limitation of most deterministic whole cell models to date is the assumption that channels are globally coupled by a single [Ca], when in fact channels experience localized "domain" Ca concentrations. More realistic stochastic Monte Carlo simulations are capable of representing individual domain Ca concentrations but suffer from increased computational demand. This dissertation introduces a novel probability approach which captures important …


Novel Use Of A Natural Isotope Signature To Track Recruitment And Evaluate Age Determination Methods For The 2002 Year Class Of American Shad In The York River, Sally A. Upton Jan 2008

Novel Use Of A Natural Isotope Signature To Track Recruitment And Evaluate Age Determination Methods For The 2002 Year Class Of American Shad In The York River, Sally A. Upton

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


A Versatile Imaging System For In Vivo Small Animal Research, Jianguo Qian Jan 2008

A Versatile Imaging System For In Vivo Small Animal Research, Jianguo Qian

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

In vivo small animal imaging has become an essential technique for molecular biology studies. However, requirements of spatial resolution, sensitivity and image quality are quite challenging for the development of small-animal imaging systems. The capabilities of the system are also significant for carrying out small animal imaging in a wide range of biological studies. The goal of this dissertation is to develop a high-performance imaging system that can readily meet a wide range of requirements for a variety of small animal imaging applications. Several achievements have been made in order to fulfill this goal.;To supplement our system for parallel-hole single …