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Virginia Commonwealth University

Theses and Dissertations

2006

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Cathexellanea, Pir Rothenberg Apr 2006

Cathexellanea, Pir Rothenberg

Theses and Dissertations

Cathexellanea is a portmanteau word blending "cathexis," a psychoanalytical term meaning an investment of mental or emotional energy on a person, object or idea; and "miscellanea," a collection of objects or writings. One theme running through these stories concerns characters attempt to define themselves through their desires. "Bottomless" explores the idea of emotional and physical fulfillment. "Croquembouche" revolves around self-loathing and corruptibility. In "Destripado," the protagonist discovers that one way to dispel fear is to become the thing that causes it. "Ghosts" asks whether it is a past lover the protagonist longs for, or her phantoms. "Versions" deals with the …

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Choice And Chance: Thoughts On My Journey, Leann Sasamoto Jan 2006

Choice And Chance: Thoughts On My Journey, Leann Sasamoto

Theses and Dissertations

My love of learning, teaching, and providing creative spaces for people to connect informs my work and my life. For me, art is like life: messy, physical, and, if done with intent, beautiful. It is more about the process than the result; it is about recognizing that although we make choices, there are many things we cannot control; it is about being so present in the moment that everything else fades away. How I live, what I do, what I believe, and my art are all the same.

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K X N Trust-Based Agent Reputation, Christopher Alonzo Parker Jan 2006

K X N Trust-Based Agent Reputation, Christopher Alonzo Parker

Theses and Dissertations

In this research, a multi-agent system called KMAS is presented that models an environment of intelligent, autonomous, rational, and adaptive agents that reason about trust, and adapt trust based on experience. Agents reason and adapt using a modification of the k-Nearest Neighbor algorithm called (k X n) Nearest Neighbor where k neighbors recommend reputation values for trust during each of n interactions. Reputation allows a single agent to receive recommendations about the trustworthiness of others. One goal is to present a recommendation model of trust that outperforms MAS architectures relying solely on direct agent interaction. A second goal is to …

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Genetic Variation Among Geographically Disparate Yellow Perch Broodstock Populations, Chandler Brooke Givens Jan 2006

Genetic Variation Among Geographically Disparate Yellow Perch Broodstock Populations, Chandler Brooke Givens

Theses and Dissertations

As a prelude to strain selection for domestication and future marker assisted selection, genetic variation revealed by microsatellite DNA was evaluated in yellow perch, Perca flavescens, from four wild North American populations collected in 2003-2004 (Maine, ME; New York, NY; North Carolina, NC; and Pennsylvania, PA), and two captive populations (Michigan, MI; Ohio, OH). For the loci examined, levels of heterozygosity ranged from He = 0.04 to 0.88, genetic differentiation was highly significant among all population pairs, and effective migration ranged from low (Nem = 0.3) to high (Nem = 4.5). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg 1equilibrium was regularly observed indicating significant …

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Isolation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Adult Bone Marrow And Umbilical Cord Blood And Their Potential To Differentiate Into Osteoblasts, Andrew P. Pacitti Jan 2006

Isolation Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived From Adult Bone Marrow And Umbilical Cord Blood And Their Potential To Differentiate Into Osteoblasts, Andrew P. Pacitti

Theses and Dissertations

The demand for treatment strategies of musculoskeletal tissues is continuously growing, especially considering the increasing number of elderly people with degenerative diseases of the skeletal system. Despite major strides in the field of bone regenerative medicine during the years, current therapies, such as bone grafts, still have several limitations. Multipotent stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for tissue repair because of their differentiation potential and their capacity to undergo extensive replication. However, isolating a homogeneous population of MSCs from multiple sources is an area that needs to be addressed. Also, the knowledge regarding the mechanisms …

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Kick Me, Jennifer Stackpole Jan 2006

Kick Me, Jennifer Stackpole

Theses and Dissertations

Human experience, particularly the trials and tribulations of growing up, is the foundation on which I build. In this body of work, I represent these somewhat unsettling times. I use flattened space, strong diagonals, and vibrant color to add energy to the compositions. An underlying structure of fragmented shapes suggests the incomplete nature of adolescence.

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Teaching Theatre History: Re-Directing An Existing Course, Brian Robert Vrtis Jan 2006

Teaching Theatre History: Re-Directing An Existing Course, Brian Robert Vrtis

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is written to detail the process and results of the theatre history class that I assisted in teaching during the fall semester of 2005. It details the process of formulating the class structure, how the class proceeded, my lecture process, and finally the responses that the students had to the class. The first chapter of this paper goes into the process of getting the class formulated. When Shaun McCracken and I were asked to take over instruction of THEA 307 for the fall during Dr. Barnes' sabbatical, rather than exactly following the process that the class had previously …

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Quantitative Model For The Prediction Of Hydrodynamic Size Of Nonionic Reverse Micelles, Melissa A. Michaels Jan 2006

Quantitative Model For The Prediction Of Hydrodynamic Size Of Nonionic Reverse Micelles, Melissa A. Michaels

Theses and Dissertations

The sizes of nonionic reverse micelles were investigated as a function of the molecular structure of the surfactant, the type of oil, the total concentration of surfactant [NP], the ratio of NP4 to total surfactant (r), the water to surfactant molar ratio (ω), temperature, salt concentration, and polar phase. The basis of our investigation was nonylphenol polyethoxylates - NP4 and NP7. Micelle sizes were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS). A central composite experimental design was used to quantitatively model reverse micelle size as a function of ω, [NP], and r. The model has demonstrated the capability of predicting the …

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Out Of Body, Alessandra Lee Michelle Torres Jan 2006

Out Of Body, Alessandra Lee Michelle Torres

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the evolution of Alessandra Torres's work, from her early performances and installations, to her latest work with surrogate bodies, as she challenges the relationship between artist and their creation, body and object, and audience and art. Examining the work of artists such as Cindy Sherman, Rebecca Horn and Marina Abramovic, Torres explores the transformative capabilities of interactive sculpture and live performance. Join Ms. Torres as she transforms herself into everything from a paintbrush to a serpent, in her ongoing exploration of the body's ability to adapt and evolve.

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Serum Anti-Phosphorylcholine And Anti-Cardiolipin Concentrations Following Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing, Reve W. Chaston Jan 2006

Serum Anti-Phosphorylcholine And Anti-Cardiolipin Concentrations Following Periodontal Scaling And Root Planing, Reve W. Chaston

Theses and Dissertations

Atherosclerosis is an insidious disease with serious morbidity and mortality including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction. This condition is progressive and can start early in life eventually leading to large plaques and arterial occlusion. Two key components of this process are the immune system and lipids; in particular, LDL which accumulates within the arterial walls and macrophages which recognize and engulf oxidized-LDL (oxLDL) to form foam cells. Knowing that certain antibodies directed against bacterial antigens such as phosphorylcholine (PC) and cardiolipin (CL) show opsonizing cross-reactivity with oxLDL it can be proposed that there is a link between immune …

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The Effect Of Media Advertising On Consumer Perception Of Orthodontic Treatment Quality, Daenya T. Edwards Jan 2006

The Effect Of Media Advertising On Consumer Perception Of Orthodontic Treatment Quality, Daenya T. Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

A survey instrument was designed to evaluate factors influencing consumer selection of an orthodontist and consumer perception of different forms of media advertising (radio, television, newspaper, magazine, direct mail, and billboard) by orthodontic practices. The surveys were distributed by 8 orthodontic offices in and around the Richmond, Virginia area. Out of 676 surveys, 655 (97%) were returned. Respondents most often cited dentist and patient referrals as how they learned of the orthodontic practices they visited (50%- 57%). However, a caring attitude and good practitioner reputation were cited as the top reasons influencing selection of an orthodontist (53% and 49% respectively). …

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Evolving A Theatre Of Truth, Susan Hayes Jan 2006

Evolving A Theatre Of Truth, Susan Hayes

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the challenges of evolving a Theatre of Truth in the context of the immediate zeitgeist. The questions I address are the role of feminist theatre in a world dominated by global media and corporate omnipotence; the conflation of theatre and Realpolitick; the limitations of postmodern thought and critical theory, and the struggle not only of the marginalized, but of all of us to create an activist theatre in perilous times. After examining my response to directing a production of Mud by Maria Irene Fornes, this project will also suggest that a theatre of specialized singular interests, such …

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Welcome To The Branch, Turia R. Pope Jan 2006

Welcome To The Branch, Turia R. Pope

Theses and Dissertations

Welcome to the Branch is a two-act play that investigates issues of cultural differences in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or LDS church), more commonly known as the Mormon Church. Set in modern-day, downtown Richmond, Welcome to the Branch follows two very different members of the LDS church as they examine and try to understand both their religion, in the context of its cultural and social history, and their place in it. One is Molly, a Caucasian, middle-class young woman from Utah, in Richmond temporarily for her husband's graduate school; the other is Aina, an African …

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A Computational Study Of Axial Compressor Rotor Casing Treatments And Stator Land Seals, Charles C. Cates Jan 2006

A Computational Study Of Axial Compressor Rotor Casing Treatments And Stator Land Seals, Charles C. Cates

Theses and Dissertations

As fuel prices soar ever higher, aircraft manufacturers and their airline customers demand that the next generation of engines used on their aircraft push the limits of efficiency and capability. This study consists of a computational examination of two currently accepted methods of axial compressor performance improvement in terms of surge margin and efficiency, rotor casing treatments and stator land seals.ADPAC and Fluent CFD solvers were used in the analysis of circumferential groove casing treatments and two types of stator seals, one typical of a front stage stator and one typical of a rear stage stator. The computational solutions and …

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The Long-Term Effects Of Direct Verbal Victimization And Family Support On Anxious And Aggressive Behaviors In Urban Adolescents: Do Mean Words Have A Lasting Impact?, Amie Bettencourt Jan 2006

The Long-Term Effects Of Direct Verbal Victimization And Family Support On Anxious And Aggressive Behaviors In Urban Adolescents: Do Mean Words Have A Lasting Impact?, Amie Bettencourt

Theses and Dissertations

Stressful life events that occur within the context of interpersonal relationships are problematic for adolescents. Peer victimization, a stressful interpersonal event, involves acts of both physical and verbal harassment, and can contribute to psychosocial maladjustment among youth. Direct verbal victimization is a specific form of peer victimization involving name-calling and teasing that is particularly prevalent among adolescents, but has rarely been studied separately from other types of victimization.This form of victimization is associated with adjustment problems, including anxiety and aggression among adolescents. Despite the significant association between direct verbal victimization and negative adolescent adjustment outcomes, not all youth who experience …

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Novel Characteristics Of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages And Human Macrophage-Like Cells, George Tharwat Georges Jan 2006

Novel Characteristics Of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages And Human Macrophage-Like Cells, George Tharwat Georges

Theses and Dissertations

These studies provide evidence for novel properties of macrophages derived from bone marrow stem cells. In study 1, treatment of activated mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) with either catecholamine synthesis inhibitors (α-methyl-para-tyrosine and fusaric acid) or the β2 adrenergic receptor antagonist ICI 118,551 demonstrated that BMM produce catecholamines. The catecholamines modulated macrophage cytokine production through autocrine actions on adrenergic receptors. In study II, undifferentiated human bone marrow cells were incubated in 30% mouse L929 fibroblast conditioned medium and generated adherent cells within three days. The cells were clearly identifiable as macrophages based on surface proteins and phagocytic activity but produced …

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Social Emotional Development In School: The Anatomy Of One School's Role In Adolescent Female Development, Tanya Elizabeth Forneris Jan 2006

Social Emotional Development In School: The Anatomy Of One School's Role In Adolescent Female Development, Tanya Elizabeth Forneris

Theses and Dissertations

Social and emotional learning enables individuals to recognize and manage emotions, develop caring and concern for others, make responsible decisions, establish and maintain positive relationships, handle challenging situations effectively, achieve academically, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that competent young people who are socially and emotionally competent are more likely to succeed both academically and personally and have strong personal and interpersonal skills. The purpose of this study was to examine one school's process in helping its students develop both socially and emotionally. For this study social-emotional learning was examined using the individual competencies and guidelines for schools …

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A Wireless Surface Electromyography (Wsemg) System, Aleeta E. Bell Jan 2006

A Wireless Surface Electromyography (Wsemg) System, Aleeta E. Bell

Theses and Dissertations

Surface Electromyography (SEMG) systems are utilized throughout the medical industry to study abnormal electrical activity of the human muscle. Historically, SEMG systems employ surface (skin) mounted sensors that transmit electrical muscle data to a computer base via an umbilical cord. A typical SEMG analysis may exercise multiple sensors, each representing a unique data channel, positioned about the patient's body. Data transmission cables are linked between the surface mounted sensor nodes and a backpack worn by the patient. As the number of sensors increases, the patient's freedom of mobility decreases due to the lengthy data cables linked between the surface sensors …

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Politics And Personal Life In The Era Of Revolution: The Treatment And Reintigration Of Elite Loyalists In Post-Revolutionary Virginia, Gregory Harkcom Stoner Jan 2006

Politics And Personal Life In The Era Of Revolution: The Treatment And Reintigration Of Elite Loyalists In Post-Revolutionary Virginia, Gregory Harkcom Stoner

Theses and Dissertations

Historians of loyalism in Virginia during the American Revolution typically characterize supporters of the Crown as a small and unorganized group that had little bearing on the outcome of the war. However, these historians greatly underestimate the extent and nature of Virginia loyalists. Patriots throughout the state feared and loathed outright demonstrations of loyalty to the Crown, sought to identify and remove Tories in their communities, and worked to prevent the reentry of these Loyalists into postwar Virginia. Those loyalists who attempted to return to Virginia realized that continual attention was required to shape and present an image that would …

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Perceived Deprivation In Active Duty Military Nurse Anesthetists, Julie Ann Pearson Jan 2006

Perceived Deprivation In Active Duty Military Nurse Anesthetists, Julie Ann Pearson

Theses and Dissertations

Problem: There is a shortage of military certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). The exodus from military service to civilian careers could be a result of relative deprivation (the discrepancy that one perceives between what one has and what one could or should have). Relative deprivation is a perception of unfairness dependent on feelings (subjective data) as well as facts (objective data). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure relative deprivation in active duty military nurse anesthetists, to explore variables which correlate with relative deprivation, and to validate or refute the theory of relative deprivation in active duty military …

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Sec Regulation Of Corporate 10k Filing Dates: The Effect On Earnings Management And Market Recognition, Robert W. Russ Jan 2006

Sec Regulation Of Corporate 10k Filing Dates: The Effect On Earnings Management And Market Recognition, Robert W. Russ

Theses and Dissertations

In November 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission released a final ruling regarding a filing requirement change. The proposed requiredment change was for domestic companies to file annual and quarterly reports within 60 and 30 days, respectfully. This requirement was recommended for companies with a market value of at least $75 million and would reduce by 30 days the time allowed to file these reports. The Wall Street Journal article announcing this proposal stated the change was an effort to address some of the problems arising from accounting scandals such as the Enron scandal of 2001. A potential added benefit …

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Phylogeography Of Marine Meiofaunal Nemerteans Of The Ototyphlonemertes Fila Species Complex, Alexander Tulchinsky Jan 2006

Phylogeography Of Marine Meiofaunal Nemerteans Of The Ototyphlonemertes Fila Species Complex, Alexander Tulchinsky

Theses and Dissertations

Morphological conservatism combined with intraspecific variability has obstructed studies of speciation and species boundaries among marine meiofauna. Ototyphlonemertes is a genus of meiofaunal nemerteans inhabiting the interstitial spaces of marine sediments. Its members lack pelagic larvae and dispersal potential is believed to be poor. A phylogeographic study of Ototyphlonemertes fila is presented using mitochondrial (cox3) and nuclear (ISSR) molecular markers. Deep genetic divergence (approximately 18% in cox3) was observed between sympatric mitochondrial lineages in Florida. This divergence was reflected in the nuclear marker as well, suggesting the presence of two cryptic species. The first contains Florida and New England populations …

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Structured Faculty Mentoring In Higher Education: A Descriptive Analysis Of The Perceptions Of Junior And Senior Faculty, Jennifer J. Smith-Slabaugh Jan 2006

Structured Faculty Mentoring In Higher Education: A Descriptive Analysis Of The Perceptions Of Junior And Senior Faculty, Jennifer J. Smith-Slabaugh

Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that mentoring is a viable form of professional development.Faced with large numbers of retirements and a projected increase in student enrollment, the issues of recruitment, retention and revitalization of current faculty are at the core of this study. There is little empirical research on the phenomenon of structured or formal mentoring in higher education from the perspective of both the mentee and the mentor.The purpose of this study was to identify, describe, and analyze the perceived benefits that both senior or more experienced faculty mentors and junior or new-to-the institution faculty mentees at a large urban research …

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Electronic Medical Records In Acute Care Hospitals: Correlates, Efficiency, And Quality, Abby Jo Swanson Jan 2006

Electronic Medical Records In Acute Care Hospitals: Correlates, Efficiency, And Quality, Abby Jo Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the organizational and environmental correlates of hospital EMR use and to examine the relationship between hospital EMR use and performance. Using a theoretical framework that combines resource dependence theory with Donabedian's structure, process, outcome model, a conceptual model is created. To test the hypotheses of this model, logistic regression and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) are used. The data included in this analysis come from the AHA, HIMSS, CMS, ARF, and HQA. In the analysis of hospitals correlates of EMR use, three hypotheses were supported, and one was partially supported. Hospital system affiliation, …

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From The Edge, Leslie Corder Rousseau Jan 2006

From The Edge, Leslie Corder Rousseau

Theses and Dissertations

Paintings and drawings are the physical representations of my dialogue with the world around me. Art is how I connect to what is too large, or too vague, or too personally meaningful to express in any other way. Space and its transformation by light and color have always been central to this dialogue. I am particularly intrigued by spatial ambiguity. Space exists for us only in how it relates to us and so, space changes. One viewpoint or state of mind might make space seem freeing, while another makes the same space feel confining. Barriers are sometimes delineated, sometimes obscured. …

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Drawing Through A Linear Temperament, Jorge Miguel Benitez Jan 2006

Drawing Through A Linear Temperament, Jorge Miguel Benitez

Theses and Dissertations

I am a draftsman, painter and printmaker. This first person statement is a written extension of the art that constitutes my thesis. It discusses the links between my work and the Enlightenment, Humanism, Catholicism, ethics and the Western canon as well as my use of perspective and other classical techniques in relation to history, language, high art, popular culture, propaganda, contemporary upheavals, Christian and Islamic Fundamentalism, globalization and the digital revolution. Furthermore, the main arguments draw upon my Cuban origin and European ancestry, the Cuban Revolution, my Belgian early education and eventual American hybrid identity. The overriding theme, however, concerns …

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Adaptive Re-Use Of Abandoned Structure - A Holistic Urban Experiment, Dongjoo Kang Jan 2006

Adaptive Re-Use Of Abandoned Structure - A Holistic Urban Experiment, Dongjoo Kang

Theses and Dissertations

Availability of good housing may no longer be an important issue for most U.S. citizens. Nowadays most are well housed and the problems confronting those who are not- except in the case of the homeless- are not highly visible. During the last decade, old warehouses in downtown Richmond, Virginia have been converted to new uses as restaurants, apartments, and offices. This reuse of old buildings has brought more people to the downtown area, making streets safer for pedestrians and residents than when the areas were abandoned. However, these well-designed and newly renovated apartments are not for everyone, especially low and …

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The Art Of Adjustment, Kathryn F. Matthews Jan 2006

The Art Of Adjustment, Kathryn F. Matthews

Theses and Dissertations

My artwork is fortified by three essential elements, vibrant color, luminous light, and repeated patterns found in nature. These elements unify my oil paintings and computer generated artwork and form a substructure that serves to magnify the unique concord found in nature.

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Factors Associated With Hospital Commitment To Provide Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Services, Lea Anne Gardner Jan 2006

Factors Associated With Hospital Commitment To Provide Child/Adolescent Psychiatric Services, Lea Anne Gardner

Theses and Dissertations

General acute care hospitals play a particularly important role in the delivery of children's mental health given the extant lack of alternatives to long term hospitals for patients requiring a restrictive treatment environment (Glied and Cuellar, 2003). This cross-sectional study identifies environmental and organizational factors associated with general acute care and children's hospitals in the United States that provide hospital-based child/adolescent psychiatric services and the number of services. Two macro-level theories, Resource Dependence Theory and Institutional Theory were used to identify environmental and organizational factors. A nationwide sample of hospitals was drawn from the 2003 AHA annual survey. Data from …

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Early Mediators Of Cutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: A Mouse Model, Christopher Rogers Pruitt Jan 2006

Early Mediators Of Cutaneous Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: A Mouse Model, Christopher Rogers Pruitt

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic tissue injuries present an enormous problem to both patients and healthcare professionals, and yet little is definitively known as to the underlying pathophysiology. While there are numerous comorbidities associated with these wounds, a unifying theme has been proposed to be the repetitive incidence of ischemia reperfusion injury.A mouse model of cyclic ischemia reperfusion was employed to examine the initiation events in the pathology of chronic wounds. Mice were subjected to eight hours of magnetic skin compression via four cycles of two-hours ischemia and thirty minutes of reperfusion. The presence of neutrophil markers of oxidative stress and inflammation such as …

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