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Enigmatic Allegory, Sara Virginia Kinsey Nov 2013

Enigmatic Allegory, Sara Virginia Kinsey

Theses and Dissertations

My artwork is autobiographical and shaped by my experiences. Collectively, it serves as a visual journal expressing a range of emotions honoring meaningful people, portraying important places, and commemorating significant events in my life. My art documents the progression from turmoil, despair, and isolation to growth, recovery, and gratitude. I utilize a recurring set of subjective symbols which hold personal significance. These symbols, which include robots, eggs, chairs, shoes, and trash cans, help me create narratives and visual continuity across my body of work. I purposefully omit some information to mask the entirety of the story being told. Typically, these …

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"Dae Scotsmen Dream O 'Lectric Leids?" Robert Crawford's Cyborg Scotland, Alexander Burke Nov 2013

"Dae Scotsmen Dream O 'Lectric Leids?" Robert Crawford's Cyborg Scotland, Alexander Burke

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis applies a Cybernetic interpretation to a selection of poetry by the Scottish Informationist poet Robert Crawford, drawn mostly from two collections: A Scottish Assembly (1990) and Sharawaggi: Poems in Scots (1990). Crawford is contextualized by observing the poetic influences of Robert Burns, John Davidson, and Hugh MacDiarmid, as well as the philosophical influence of George Elder Davie’s The Democratic Intellect. This paper argues that, in response to the Two Cultures hypothesis put forth by C. P. Snow and the widely-held belief that Scotland is irrevocably fractured, the shifting boundaries of the many disparate Scottish cultures are mediated by …

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Differential Effects Of Short-Chain Fatty Acids On Motility Of Guinea Pig Proximal And Distal Colon, Norman Hurst Nov 2013

Differential Effects Of Short-Chain Fatty Acids On Motility Of Guinea Pig Proximal And Distal Colon, Norman Hurst

Theses and Dissertations

NTRODUCTION: Colonic bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by fermentation of dietary carbohydrates and fiber. The production of SCFAs is greatest in proximal colon where propulsion is likely to be highly dependent on chemical/nutrient stimuli. Unabsorbed SCFAs entering the distal colon are likely to modify peristalsis initiated by fecal pellet-induced distension. AIM: To determine the effect of individual SCFAs on propulsive contractions in guinea pig proximal colon and on pellet propulsion in distal colon. METHODS: Proximal colon was excised, cannulated and placed in Krebs buffer in an organ bath. After equilibration, the colon was distended with 1ml of Krebs buffer …

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Variation And Modulation Of Micrornas In Prostate Cancer And Biological Fluids, Sarah Seashols Nov 2013

Variation And Modulation Of Micrornas In Prostate Cancer And Biological Fluids, Sarah Seashols

Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the second-most diagnosed and fatal carcinoma for males in the United States, and better diagnostic markers and potential therapies are needed. microRNAs are small, single-stranded RNA molecules that affect protein expression at the translational level, and dysregulation can dramatically affect cell metabolism. Comparison of 736 microRNA expression levels between the poorly metastatic SV40T immortalized prostate epithelial cell line P69 to its highly tumorigenic and metastatic subline M12 identified 231 miRs that were overexpressed and 150 miRs that showed loss of expression in the M12 cell line. Further evaluation of fourteen identified miRs was accomplished using other prostate …

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Identification Of Human Pgc-1Α-B Isoforms Using A Novel Pgc-1Α-B Specific Antibody, Shannon Hedrick Nov 2013

Identification Of Human Pgc-1Α-B Isoforms Using A Novel Pgc-1Α-B Specific Antibody, Shannon Hedrick

Theses and Dissertations

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) is known as the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. PGC-1α holds this role by acting as a transcriptional coactivator for an array of transcription factors and nuclear hormone receptors, such as NRF-1/2 and ERRα/γ, whose downstream targets function in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation. PGC-1α is regulated both at the transcriptional and post-translational level in several signaling pathways, including p38 MAPK and AMPK. This regulation affects which transcription factor binding events can occur in a given tissue, and thus affects regulation of PGC-1α target genes. PGC-1α is downregulated in many neurodegenerative disorders as …

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Beta 2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Contributions To Anxiety-Like Behavior, Shawn Anderson Nov 2013

Beta 2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Contributions To Anxiety-Like Behavior, Shawn Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

Nicotine is a major psychoactive ingredient in tobacco that is thought to promote smoking behavior via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. Given reports that people smoke to relieve anxiety and that anxiety precipitates relapse, the overarching goal of this dissertation research is to assess beta 2 subunit containing nAChR (beta2*nAChR) contributions to anxiety-like behavior. Nicotine’s activity at beta2*nAChRs is concentration-dependent, with high concentrations facilitating activation followed by rapid desensitization and low concentrations preferentially desensitizing beta2*nAChRs; hence, activation or inhibition of beta2*nAChRs may support smoking behavior. Rodent studies reveal that nicotine affects anxiety-like behavior dose-dependently: low doses promote anxiolysis- …

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Analysis And Construction Of Engaging Facial Forms And Expressions: Interdisciplinary Approaches From Art, Anatomy, Engineering, Cultural Studies, And Psychology, Leejin Kim Nov 2013

Analysis And Construction Of Engaging Facial Forms And Expressions: Interdisciplinary Approaches From Art, Anatomy, Engineering, Cultural Studies, And Psychology, Leejin Kim

Theses and Dissertations

The topic of this dissertation is the anatomical, psychological, and cultural examination of a human face in order to effectively construct an anatomy-driven 3D virtual face customization and action model. In order to gain a broad perspective of all aspects of a face, theories and methodology from the fields of art, engineering, anatomy, psychology, and cultural studies have been analyzed and implemented. The computer generated facial customization and action model were designed based on the collected data. Using this customization system, culturally-specific attractive face in Korean popular culture, “kot-mi-nam (flower-like beautiful guy),” was modeled and analyzed as a case study. …

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“The Flow Of Blood In Nature” Franz Marc’S Animal Theory, Morgan Rinehart Nov 2013

“The Flow Of Blood In Nature” Franz Marc’S Animal Theory, Morgan Rinehart

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis argues for a coherent theory of the animal in the written and visual works of the German Expressionist painter, Franz Marc. By contextualizing Marc’s animal theory within the history of animal studies, this thesis will analyze how Marc’s animal theory corresponds with several central concepts within this field. One of these concepts—a theory of animal death—is central to the artist’s greater theory of the animal and to the analysis this thesis provides. In examining Marc’s theory of animal death, the following work will propose that the artist’s theory of animal spirituality is his greatest legacy within the field …

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"To Preserve, Protect, And Pass On:" Shirley Plantation As A Historic House Museum, 1894–2013, Kerry Dahm Nov 2013

"To Preserve, Protect, And Pass On:" Shirley Plantation As A Historic House Museum, 1894–2013, Kerry Dahm

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis provides an analysis of Shirley Plantation’s operation as a historic house museum from 1894 to the present period, and the Carter family’s dedication to keeping the estate within the family. The first chapter examines Shirley Plantation’s beginnings as a historic house museum as operated by two Carter women, Alice Carter Bransford and Marion Carter Oliver, who inherited the property in the late nineteenth century. The second chapter explores Shirley Plantation’s development as a popular historic site during the mid-twentieth century to the early part of the twenty-first century, and compares the site’s development to the interpretative changes that …

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Alcohol And Medication Use In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Understanding The Effect Of Alcohol And Central Nervous System-Acting Medications On The Risk For Falls, Maitreyee Mohanty Nov 2013

Alcohol And Medication Use In Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Understanding The Effect Of Alcohol And Central Nervous System-Acting Medications On The Risk For Falls, Maitreyee Mohanty

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Aging, comorbid conditions, and use of medications render older adults more susceptible to alcohol-disease or alcohol-drug interactions that may lead to harmful outcomes. In this dissertation project the risk profile of alcohol and medications use among older adults was investigated. Considering the rise in CNS-acting medication use and the adverse effect profile linked to CNS-acting medications, it was also of interest to find if older adults were at risk of falling due to interactions between alcohol and CNS-acting medication. Objectives: The objectives were as follows: 1) to determine the prevalence, pattern and factors associated with at-risk drinking, 2) to …

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Accidental Octopus, Elizabeth Patterson Nov 2013

Accidental Octopus, Elizabeth Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

I head to the ocean for inspiration. Diving deep, the diverse organic shapes and fluidity of the flora and fauna inspire me to create modular pieces that incorporate intricate line work. This repetitive line and patterning gives me peace and helps me meditate. This self-exploration has opened up a stimulating world that pushes me to produce prints and silver jewelry that are individual and introspective. I have learned that the journey has become the aspiration and the production, a gift.

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Commonwealth Times 2013-11-11 Nov 2013

Commonwealth Times 2013-11-11

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

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Beauty In A Crooked Line, Sarah Ramey Nov 2013

Beauty In A Crooked Line, Sarah Ramey

Theses and Dissertations

Experimentation is the beginning and end of all of my art. I examine the interactions of the materials that are involved in the journey of creativity. Typically, I begin a piece with an irregularly drawn line, using a white crayon to resist the media that I will later apply, thereby creating a negative line. This gestural line becomes an element that helps direct my intuitive mark-making. My process involves masking, using resists, and layering materials. I then remove the layers of media by scraping or sanding them away changing the texture of the paper. I am drawn to media that …

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Reflecting On The Ordinary, Linda Conti Nov 2013

Reflecting On The Ordinary, Linda Conti

Theses and Dissertations

My work is about valuing the ordinary moments in life that can be described as joyful, difficult, beautiful, painful, or even transcendent. My creativity arises from a need to tell the story of these moments, and to share my experience with others. These moments are often evidenced by the objects we leave behind. They are a testament to the life we have lived, or are now living. My attention to small, ordinary details includes honoring and remembering people who have died. They may be artists, writers, friends, or family members but it is important to me to record the unique …

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Behavioral And Genomic Characterization Of Scheduled Ethanol Deprivation, Jonathan Warner Nov 2013

Behavioral And Genomic Characterization Of Scheduled Ethanol Deprivation, Jonathan Warner

Theses and Dissertations

Alcoholism is a persistent substance abuse disorder that is associated with negative health, social, and economic outcomes. Treatment strategies for alcohol use disorders are limited, and only three drugs have been approved by the FDA for treatment. Although behavioral therapy and drug combination strategies improve abstinence outcomes, the majority of those in treatment will not achieve long-term abstinence. Therefore, better treatment strategies are needed. While much progress has been made toward understanding the neurobiology of alcoholism, this knowledge has not been effectively translated into treatment strategies. Animal models of alcohol drinking have been crucial to this research effort, but until …

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Differences In Attitudes Towards People With Disabilities: Examining The Effects Of The Presence Of An Assistance Dog, Jennifer A. Coleman Nov 2013

Differences In Attitudes Towards People With Disabilities: Examining The Effects Of The Presence Of An Assistance Dog, Jennifer A. Coleman

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with disabilities face various types of social stigma. Research suggests that the presence of an assistance dog leads to an increase in social interactions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether people’s attitudes toward individuals with disabilities differ when pairing that person with an assistance dog. Undergraduate students (N= 244) were randomly assigned to view an individual with a disability either alone or with an assistance dog. Participants rated their attitudes toward the individual, completed a newly developed Implicit Association Test, and answered behavioral intention questions. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that individuals with …

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Ink (2013-11) Nov 2013

Ink (2013-11)

Ink, 2008-

The student-run features magazine covering the fashion, art, music and culture worlds at VCU and in Richmond. Published annually in print and updated regularly online.

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Analyzing The Functions Of Human Polynucleotide Phosphorylase (Hpnpaseold-35), Upneet K. Sokhi Nov 2013

Analyzing The Functions Of Human Polynucleotide Phosphorylase (Hpnpaseold-35), Upneet K. Sokhi

Theses and Dissertations

RNA degradation plays a fundamental role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, along with being a part of normal regulatory mechanisms, whether it occurs as a surveillance mechanism eliminating aberrant mRNAs or during RNA processing to generate mature transcripts. 3’-5’ exoribonucleases are essential mediators of RNA decay pathways, and one such evolutionarily conserved enzyme is polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). The human homologue of this fascinating enzymatic protein (hPNPaseold-35) was cloned a decade ago in the context of terminal differentiation and senescence through a novel ‘overlapping pathway screening’ approach. Since then, significant insights have been garnered about this exoribonuclease and its repertoire of expanding …

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My Inner Mask, Genevieve Ivan Oct 2013

My Inner Mask, Genevieve Ivan

Theses and Dissertations

My work is comprised of masks. The indigenous power of masks inspires the spirit, energy, and soul of my work. I use masks to reveal my inner self, similar to how masks were used in ritual ceremonies in the ancient past. The masks that I create break the grounds of my physical containment and open the curtains of my creative energy and psychological chaos. They allow me to embrace my vulnerability and my strength. My work encompasses prints, paintings, and ceramic sculptures. I work expressively by layering the process of mark making in an intuitive manner. Each layer I create …

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A Molecular Mechanism Regulating The Timing Of Corticogeniculate Innervation, Justin Brooks Oct 2013

A Molecular Mechanism Regulating The Timing Of Corticogeniculate Innervation, Justin Brooks

Theses and Dissertations

Visual system development requires the formation of precise circuitry in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) of the thalamus. Although much work has examined the molecular mechanisms by which retinal axons target and form synapses in dLGN, much less is known about the mechanisms that coordinate the formation of non-retinal inputs in dLGN. These non-retinal inputs represent ~90% of the terminals that form in dLGN. Interestingly, recently reports show that the targeting and formation of retinal and non-retinal inputs are temporally orchestrated. dLGN relay neurons are first innervated by retinal axons, and it is only after retinogeniculate synapses form that …

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Commonwealth Times 2013-10-14 Oct 2013

Commonwealth Times 2013-10-14

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

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Experimental And Computational Assessment Of Mechanical Circulatory Assistance Of A Patient-Specific Fontan Vessel Configuration, Steven Chopski Oct 2013

Experimental And Computational Assessment Of Mechanical Circulatory Assistance Of A Patient-Specific Fontan Vessel Configuration, Steven Chopski

Theses and Dissertations

The treatment of single ventricle anomalies is a formidable challenge for clinical teams caring for patients with congenital heart disease. Those patients fortunate to survive surgical palliation contend with lifelong physical limitations and late stage pathophysiology. A mechanical blood pump specifically designed to increase pressure in the great veins would augment flow through the lungs and provide hemodynamic stability until a donor heart is located. To support the development of such medical devices, this research characterized the fluid dynamics of mechanical assistance in the Fontan circulation by performing numerical analyses and particle image velocimetry (PIV) studies in a patient-specific in …

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Thomas Jeckyll, James Mcneill Whistler, And The Harmony In Blue And Gold: The Peacock Room: A Re-Examination, Cynthia Fischer Oct 2013

Thomas Jeckyll, James Mcneill Whistler, And The Harmony In Blue And Gold: The Peacock Room: A Re-Examination, Cynthia Fischer

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uncovers three previously unrecognized innovations of Thomas Jeckyll in the Peacock Room. At the same time, the dissertation admits that sometimes James McNeill Whistler chose a more conventional path in the design of the room than previously acknowledged. The dissertation illuminates the often overlooked principle of Classical Decor, first described in the first century BC by Vitruvius, and analyzes how it was instituted in the Peacock Room. Four major points illustrate this conclusion. First, the meaning of the sunflower in the West is explored to account for the flower’s popularity and absorption into ancient heliotropic lore. Thomas Moore’s …

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Effects Of Nitrite And Oxygen On Angiogenesis In Vascular Networks Of The Chicken Embryo, Michael Connery Oct 2013

Effects Of Nitrite And Oxygen On Angiogenesis In Vascular Networks Of The Chicken Embryo, Michael Connery

Theses and Dissertations

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of angiogenesis and is primarily produced endogenously through the action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). An alternate pathway for NO production is the conversion of nitrite to NO, which depends on the presence of hemoglobin (Hb) and hypoxic conditions. The angiogenic effects of topically applied sodium nitrite on two vascular beds in the ex ovo chicken embryonic model of angiogenesis were assessed. Gas barrier films were used to modulate local oxygen levels in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), a respiratory vascular network, and the area vasculosa (AV) on the yolk sac, a typical peripheral …

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Cannabinoid Modulation Of Reinforcement Maintained By Stimulation Of The Medial Forebrain Bundle In C57bl/6j Mice, Jason Wiebelhaus Sep 2013

Cannabinoid Modulation Of Reinforcement Maintained By Stimulation Of The Medial Forebrain Bundle In C57bl/6j Mice, Jason Wiebelhaus

Theses and Dissertations

Cannabinoid agonists, including marijuana containing delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are found rewarding by humans. In addition to human self-reports and experimental studies that show marijuana is rewarding, contributions from preclinical studies also have implicated cannabinoid receptors in reward-motivated behavior. One way to assess these preclinical effects of cannabinoids is intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), where an animal performs a response to receive electrical stimulation of a specific brain area or circuit known to be involved in reward. Drugs of abuse, such as psychomotor stimulants, facilitate responding for ICSS. While a few studies have shown facilitating effects of cannabinoids in rats, several have shown the …

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The Effects Of Neurotensin On The Rat Distal Colon, Rick Chainani Sep 2013

The Effects Of Neurotensin On The Rat Distal Colon, Rick Chainani

Theses and Dissertations

The enteric nervous system controls the gut through the release of specific neurotransmitter and neuromodulators at specific sites such as mucosal secretory cell or smooth muscle cell. In the present study, we have examined the response to one of these neurohumoral agents, Neurotensin, in the rat distal colon. Neurotensin is a paracrine and endocrine modulator of the digestive tract. Even though these effects have been seen in colonic preparations, there are very few functional studies of the effects of Neurotensin in the rat colon, especially the distal colon. In the current study we propose the following hypothesis that Neurotensin will …

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The Role Of Outer Membrane Protein A In Anaplasma Marginale Cellular Invasion And Its Potential As A Cross-Protective Antigen, Sarvani Emani Sep 2013

The Role Of Outer Membrane Protein A In Anaplasma Marginale Cellular Invasion And Its Potential As A Cross-Protective Antigen, Sarvani Emani

Theses and Dissertations

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and A. marginale are the etiologic agents of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and bovine anaplasmosis, respectively. Both diseases can be severe, even fatal, and protective vaccines for each are lacking. We recently identified A. phagocytophilum outer membrane protein A (ApOmpA) as being critical for cellular invasion and is expressed during infection of mammalian but not tick cells. Disrupting ApOmpA-host cell interactions significantly inhibits A. phagocytophilum entry into host cells. ApOmpA and its A. marginale ortholog, AM854 (A. marginale OmpA; AmOmpA) exhibit 44% amino acid identity. The ApOmpA invasin domain is highly conserved between both proteins. In this study, we …

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The Role Of Nitric Oxide Dysregulation In Tumor Maintenance, Christopher Rabender Sep 2013

The Role Of Nitric Oxide Dysregulation In Tumor Maintenance, Christopher Rabender

Theses and Dissertations

The inflammatory nature of the tumor microenvironment provides a cytokine and chemokine rich proliferative environment. Much of the responsibility of this environment is due to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These studies examined the proliferative rich tumor environment from a new perspective of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) dysregulation. NOS’s have the ability to become uncoupled and generate superoxide in lieu of nitric oxide (NO). A requirement of NOS for the production of NO is the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and when it is missing NOS becomes uncoupled and turns into a peroxynitrite synthase. Here I demonstrate that NOS is …

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Functional Characterization Of Crip1a Knockout Mice, Joanna Jacob Aug 2013

Functional Characterization Of Crip1a Knockout Mice, Joanna Jacob

Theses and Dissertations

CB1 cannabinoid receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors that mediate the central nervous system (CNS) effects of marijuana and endocannabinoids. Recently, cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) was discovered as a novel protein that binds to the CB1 receptor C-terminus and inhibits CB1 receptor activity without affecting CB1 expression. This thesis investigated the functions of CRIP1a by characterizing the first CRIP1a knockout (KO) mouse line. The absence of CRIP1a was confirmed in KO mice using quantitative PCR and immunoblotting. I hypothesized that CRIP1a KO mice would exhibit enhanced CB1 receptor-mediated G-protein activity in the CNS, as well as cannabimemetic phenotypes and enhanced …

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Spit For Science: The Relationship Between Deviant High School Behavior And College Substance Use, Preetha Palasuberniam Aug 2013

Spit For Science: The Relationship Between Deviant High School Behavior And College Substance Use, Preetha Palasuberniam

UROP Posters

This study examined the relationship between deviant high school behavior, as defined by symptoms of conduct disorder, and frequency of alcohol and cigarette use in the past 30 days in college freshman at VCU. Deviant high school behaviors included skipping school, running away, stealing, starting a fire, destroying property, hurting animals or people, using weapons, fighting, and lying. The sample included first year freshmen at VCU who participated in the Spit for Science study. The software SPSS was used to calculate the significance of the correlations between deviant high school behavior and frequency of alcohol and cigarette use. A sum …

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