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(Un)Becoming Queer/(Un)Becoming Lgbtic, Kimberly Cosier, Laurel Lampela, Susan Marie De La Garnica, James Sanders, Deborah L. Smith-Shank, Mindi Rhodes, Jessie Whitehead Jan 2005

(Un)Becoming Queer/(Un)Becoming Lgbtic, Kimberly Cosier, Laurel Lampela, Susan Marie De La Garnica, James Sanders, Deborah L. Smith-Shank, Mindi Rhodes, Jessie Whitehead

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

This article is one result of an ongoing dialogue among a number of members of the LGBTIC/Queer Caucus. The dialogue has taken place primarily through a torrent of e-mails, but also through a number of emotionally charged telephone calls. It began as a friendly, (perhaps naively) simple idea -to turn members' viewpoints about changing the name of our caucus, from "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Issues Caucus" to "Queer Issues Caucus" into an article. What began with good will and a fervent hope for understanding, at times turned into vitriol and contention -volleys of world views, personal identities, and philosophies. …


In The Realm Of The “Real”: Outsider Art And Its Paradoxes For Art Educators, Jan Jagodzinski Jan 2005

In The Realm Of The “Real”: Outsider Art And Its Paradoxes For Art Educators, Jan Jagodzinski

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

In this essay I want to argue that un (becoming) is a word much like Freud's (1919) discussion of the word unheimlich (uncanny), which reveals a secretive and clandestine aspect of art that art educators must and should concern themselves with, since it identifies a "realm of the Real" whose abjection legitimates our very practice at its expense. It marks a return of the repressed. Un (becoming), like Freud's uncanny is visual art's non-reflected double as I attempt to show. This is the issue I wish to raise when it comes to the question of so-called "Outsider art," sometimes referred …


Teen Mothers' Perceptions Of Medicalization And The Patient/Provider Relationship, Preston Martin-Lyon Jan 2005

Teen Mothers' Perceptions Of Medicalization And The Patient/Provider Relationship, Preston Martin-Lyon

Theses and Dissertations

Within the past twenty years, a great deal of research has addressed pregnancy and childbirth in the United States. Often, however, prior studies have focused on white middle-class women and have neglected the experiences of women of color and low-income women. Teen mothers have also been marginalized in past research. With few exceptions, the limited research that does exist on African American teen mothers is usually framed around the "teen pregnancy crisis" in the U.S; seldom are teens included in studies dealing with the overall issue of medicalization. In an effort to understand the extent to which the medical model …


Habitat Selection In Four Sympatric Small Mammal Species And The Effects Of Potential Predators On Peromyscus Leucopus, Adam Daniel Chupp Jan 2005

Habitat Selection In Four Sympatric Small Mammal Species And The Effects Of Potential Predators On Peromyscus Leucopus, Adam Daniel Chupp

Theses and Dissertations

I examined the effects of potential predators in relation to habitat selection in Peromyscus leucopus. I also examined habitat selection in three other sympatric species (Blarina brevicauda, Blarina carolinensis, Sorex longirostris). I utilized data fiom 49 sampling sites on National Park Service land; Petersburg National Battlefield Eastern Front Unit (15), Five-Forks Unit (17), Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (15) and Booker T. Washington National Monument (12). Sites were categorized by location (park unit) and habitat type (i.e. bottom-land hardwood), and the microhabitat within each sampling site was characterized by four variables (% cover of grasses, herbs, shrubs, and volume …


Clinical Pharmacology Of Ms-275, A Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, Milin R. Acharya Jan 2005

Clinical Pharmacology Of Ms-275, A Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, Milin R. Acharya

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this escalating single-dose phase I research study was to determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics as well as in vitro metabolism and plasma protein binding of MS-275, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, in patients with solid tumors and lymphomas. A validated LC/MS assay was developed to quantitate MS-275 in plasma, human liver microsomes and urine. The pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation was done using a non-compartmental approach. In-vitro plasma protein binding profile of MS-275 was characterized by a validated micro-equilibrium dialysis method. In vitro phase I and phase II hepatic metabolism of MS-275 were evaluated using human liver microsomes. …


Experiencing Music, Michael Alan Gray Jan 2005

Experiencing Music, Michael Alan Gray

Theses and Dissertations

I am exploring the way music alters or enhances the perception of our environment. This creative project allows me to explore and visualize several issues that intrigue me: music (sound), emotion, and visual imagery (film). My goal in developing this topic is to allow others to have an experience related to sound and image, where image is altered and enhanced by the use of music.


Exploring Classical And Contemporary Conception Of Ethos Applied Case-The Rhetorical Ethos Of President George W. Bush, Bobby J. Antrobus Jan 2005

Exploring Classical And Contemporary Conception Of Ethos Applied Case-The Rhetorical Ethos Of President George W. Bush, Bobby J. Antrobus

Theses and Dissertations

By exploring classical and contemporary conceptions of rhetorical ethos, this thesis assembles theories of analysis and then applies them in the form of rhetorical analysis of the rhetorical ethos exhibited by President George W. Bush in his presidential speeches. The theoretical investigation reveals the extensive use of the ethical appeal in all manner of rhetorical situations in the contemporary world but especially focuses on how political rhetoric has come to rely predominantly on this persuasive appeal. The study examines several speeches given by President Bush and concludes that his success as president is attributed largely to the sophisticated rhetorical strategies …


Evaluation Of The Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Relationship, Metabolism And Plasma Protein Binding Of The Novel Antitumor Agent, 2-Methoxyestradiol (2me2), Following Oral Administration In Patients With Solid Tumors., Nehal Jagdish Lakhani Jan 2005

Evaluation Of The Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Relationship, Metabolism And Plasma Protein Binding Of The Novel Antitumor Agent, 2-Methoxyestradiol (2me2), Following Oral Administration In Patients With Solid Tumors., Nehal Jagdish Lakhani

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to determine safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of 2ME2 in patients with solid tumors and determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The following hypotheses were tested: 1) 2ME2 will be well tolerated in clinic when given orally and will have quantifiable effects on the ex vivo markers of angiogenesis and apoptosis; 2) 2ME2 will exhibit linear pharmacokinetics; 3) Plasma protein binding will be extensive and linear; 4) Sulfation will be the major metabolic pathway for 2ME2.This was a phase I dose escalation study. Twenty patients with refractory solid tumors were enrolled. 2ME2 was administered orally starting …


Escape Artist, Charles F. Gustina Jan 2005

Escape Artist, Charles F. Gustina

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reviews the background, influences, and evolution of the body of work entitled Folia, which forms the basis for the candidate's thesis exhibition. It traces the development of the candidate's artistic inclinations from drawing to photography. Directorial and Pictorialist photography are discussed as forebears in the Influences chapter. Evolution of the Body of Work details how the current work grew from both the candidate's background and influences. A Brief Anthology of Quotations references Susan Sontag's influential work, On Photography, with quotations that have either influenced the candidate's work or reflect his perceptions of art and life. The balance of …


Playing To Learn, John Stanko Jan 2005

Playing To Learn, John Stanko

Theses and Dissertations

This creative project explores some major issues about visual communication in digital games. The project will continue to address new questions and invite questions from my visual and communication design colleagues. My hope is that, through this document, designers will see digital games like photography was seen around the turn of the century, and movies in the 1950's and 60's. In other words, as a rich new medium that offers creative people a virtually unexplored environment in which to work and create.�


The Extraction Of Type Ii Collagen And The Electrospinning Of Nano-Fibrous Scaffolds, Danielle Careen Knapp Jan 2005

The Extraction Of Type Ii Collagen And The Electrospinning Of Nano-Fibrous Scaffolds, Danielle Careen Knapp

Theses and Dissertations

Articular cartilage lining joints, such as in the knee, functions to reduce friction and absorb shock. Collagen type II is the largest constituent in the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage and its restoration is of the highest interest to tissue engineers. Cartilage has little ability to naturally regenerate due to the absence of vascularity and the inability of the chondrocytes to proliferate at a high rate. It would be ideal to create a mimicking extracellular matrix/scaffold from type II collagen that could possibly be used to replace damaged articular cartilage that has the same function and morphology. Three different groups …


Method Of Infant Feeding As A Predictor Of Maternal Responsiveness, Emily Eiwen Drake Jan 2005

Method Of Infant Feeding As A Predictor Of Maternal Responsiveness, Emily Eiwen Drake

Theses and Dissertations

Infants need to develop effective, secure attachment to their primary caregivers in the first year of life. Researchers have not been able to identify all the factors that may influence the development of infant attachment. Most of the studies in this area have been done without regard to infant feeding as a potential factor. Maternal responsiveness appears to be key in the child's development of secure attachment behaviors, yet even after decades of research on infant attachment and maternal responsiveness, there is little evidence available to assist with early identification of families at risk and few interventions known to be …


Identification And Characterization Of The Expression Profile Of Oligodendrocyte-Derived And Associated Proteins Via Unilateral X-Irradation Of The Rat Optic Nerve, Nicholas Greco Jan 2005

Identification And Characterization Of The Expression Profile Of Oligodendrocyte-Derived And Associated Proteins Via Unilateral X-Irradation Of The Rat Optic Nerve, Nicholas Greco

Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies examining cell-cell interactions during CNS development and following disease or trauma have highlighted our limited understanding of the in vivo functions of the myelinating cell of the CNS, the oligodendrocyte. With this in mind, our laboratory has developed techniques by which a profile of proteins derived from or regulated by oligodendrocytes can be elucidated. Specifically, we have demonstrated that oligodendrocytes can be selectively eliminated from one optic nerve of a rat by treating the animal with a unilateral exposure of X-irradiation at the time of birth. Consequently, this approach allowed us to experimentally create, within the same animal, …


Type-5 Phosphodiesterase Inhibition In The Prevention Of Doxorubicin Cardiomyopathy, Patrick William Fisher Jan 2005

Type-5 Phosphodiesterase Inhibition In The Prevention Of Doxorubicin Cardiomyopathy, Patrick William Fisher

Theses and Dissertations

Prior studies have demonstrated the effect of diazoxide in protecting against apoptosis via mitochondrial KATP channel opening in vitro. The current investigations are designed to determine if sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor and known mitochondrial KATP channel opener, would protect against chronic doxorubicin cardiomyopathy both in vivo and in vitro.Male ICR mice were randomized to 1 of 4 treatments: saline, sildenafil (0.7 mg/kg IP), doxorubicin (5 mg/kg IP), and sildenafil (0.7 mg/kg IP)+doxorubicin. Apoptosis was determined using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and in situ oligo ligation methods. Desmin distribution was determined via immunofluorescence. Bcl-2 was analyzed by …


Magic Mountain, Diana Al-Hadid Jan 2005

Magic Mountain, Diana Al-Hadid

Theses and Dissertations

My installations are propositions for an imaginary world that relies on its own internal logic, a world of believability without recognition. While the work references landscape it also emphasizes its contrivance, as it is automatically estranged in an "unnatural" gallery setting. I subvert or de-familiarize the materials and processes that I use in the service of creating a fictitious environment. My places are impossible places. They are irregular, illogical, and unstable. Our imagination can be one of most dangerous things to psychological stability as it is an inventory of all things possible, no matter how irrational or improbable. The irrational …


Global Discontents, Priyadarshini A. Khatri Jan 2005

Global Discontents, Priyadarshini A. Khatri

Theses and Dissertations

My creative project explores toys as means to express economic issues of globalization. By exploiting the educational and imaginative aspects of toys for adults and children, I intend to reflect on the impact and pressures of globalization on employment, technology and environment. In creating these toys I hope to make a visual statement concerning critical issues of human survival, sustainability and the divisive side of globalization.


Long-Term Cardioprotection With Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Role Of Nitric Oxide., Vladimir Paul Daoud Jan 2005

Long-Term Cardioprotection With Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Role Of Nitric Oxide., Vladimir Paul Daoud

Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies have shown that the potent phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, sildenafil citrate, induces a powerful cardioprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rabbit and mouse hearts. However, the effect of this drug in inducing long-term protection against I/R injury remains unknown. The goal of this study was to identify the duration of the protective window of sildenafil citrate as well as vardenafil, a more potent PDE-5 inhibitor. Rabbits were treated with sildenafil (0.7 mg/kg, iv), vardenafil (0.143 mg/kg), or an equivalent volume of saline. After 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 96 hrs, or 7 days of sildenafil treatment, the hearts were …


Novel Strategies In Cardioprotection Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury, Fadi N. Salloum Jan 2005

Novel Strategies In Cardioprotection Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury, Fadi N. Salloum

Theses and Dissertations

Cell damage represents a major pathomechanism in many diseases of high clinical interest, such as myocardial infarction (MI), where it plays an important role in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Considerable progress has been made towards identifying physiological and pharmacological agents that play a key role in myocardial preconditioning against I/R injury and also elucidating the molecular changes leading to such protection.Second messengers in cellular signaling pathways, such as cGMP have been well implicated as key players in ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning (PC) of the heart. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) is an enzyme that specifically hydrolyzes cGMP thereby decreasing its tissue concentration. …


Interleukin-10 Induces Apoptosis In Developing Mast Cells Via A Mitochondrial, Stat3-Dependent Pathway, Daniel Paul Bailey Jan 2005

Interleukin-10 Induces Apoptosis In Developing Mast Cells Via A Mitochondrial, Stat3-Dependent Pathway, Daniel Paul Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of interleukin-10 on mast cell development from bone marrow progenitors.Materials and Methods. Unseparated mouse bone marrow cells were cultured in IL-3+SCF, giving rise to mast cells and monocytes/macrophages. The addition of IL-10, and the use of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)3-deficient bone marrow cells were employed to measure the effects of IL-10 and STAT3 expression on cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. Bax-deficient and Bcl-2 transgenic bone marrow cells were used to determine the importance of the mitochondria in IL-10-mediated effects.Overview. Mast cells arise from hematopoietic stem cells …


Real Time Frequency Analysis Of Signals From Lasso Catheter For Radiofrequency Ablation During Atrial Fibrillation, Prashant Yadav Jan 2005

Real Time Frequency Analysis Of Signals From Lasso Catheter For Radiofrequency Ablation During Atrial Fibrillation, Prashant Yadav

Theses and Dissertations

Real time spectrum analysis of signals obtained through lasso catheter during radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein was performed to determine the channel with dominant frequency. Threshold algorithm was used for signals which could be classified as type I and type II AF. Type III AF Signals which were highly fractionated or differentiated were evaluated for frequency content by performing Fast Fourier Transform. Data from Seven patients was collected and an episode of 180 ± 40 seconds was recorded and analyzed for each pulmonary vein that showed electrical activation. Frequency spectra for one second segment of signal for each channel were …


Long-Term Consequences Of West Nile Virus In Virginia., Diana Cruz Ocampo Jan 2005

Long-Term Consequences Of West Nile Virus In Virginia., Diana Cruz Ocampo

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to describe the long-term effects and functional outcomes of patients in Virginia who were reported to the Virginia Department of Health with West Nile virus (WNV) non-neuroinvasive and neuroinvasive disease. The study identified the duration of symptoms after initial illness, the number of persons who fully recovered versus the number who continue to be symptomatic and how patients' quality of life differed after illness.Methods: The study population was drawn from 60 human cases that met the surveillance case definition for non-neuroinvasive and neuroinvasive WNV illness in Virginia between 2002-2004. Information was collected during …


Ab Initio : A New Concept In Engineering Education, A History Of The Design, Creation And Implementation Of A New School Of Engineering In Richmond, Virginia (1990-2000), Henry A. Mcgee Jr. Jan 2005

Ab Initio : A New Concept In Engineering Education, A History Of The Design, Creation And Implementation Of A New School Of Engineering In Richmond, Virginia (1990-2000), Henry A. Mcgee Jr.

VCU University History Books

Dr. Henry A. McGee, Jr., Founding Dean Emeritus of the School of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, chronicles the history of the School of Engineering through his term as Founding Dean, 1994–1999. McGee details the process of creating a program aimed to balance innovation and entrepreneurship.


The Effect Of Red Blood Cell Velocity On Oxygenation Measurements Using Resonance Raman Spectroscopy, Derrick Williams Jan 2005

The Effect Of Red Blood Cell Velocity On Oxygenation Measurements Using Resonance Raman Spectroscopy, Derrick Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Resonance Raman spectroscopy can be used to estimate the hemoglobin oxygen saturation. Previous studies have demonstrated that exposure of oxygenated red blood cells to laser illumination may result in photo-induced displacement of oxygen from hemoglobin. In this study, an in vitro model was used to evaluate the relationship between this photo-induced effect and the red blood cell velocity. A computer-controlled system was implemented to acquire variables such as red cell velocity, microvessel diameter and hemoglobin oxygen saturation at multiple sites in selected microvascular networks. Using this system, resonance Raman spectroscopy was employed to measure hemoglobin oxygen saturation gradients in arterioles …


Codes Of Interaction, Timothy Michael Martin Jan 2005

Codes Of Interaction, Timothy Michael Martin

Theses and Dissertations

The ideas within this thesis are meant to clarify my explorations, research and painting practice during my studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. I expand on my general statements about being fascinated by advancing technologies and concerned about the after effects of these advancements. The writing explores my curiosity about the internal, skeletal structure of things and how they operate. I explain how the paintings are idiosyncratic hybrids that evoke animation, imaginary scientific propositions, blueprints, maps, and advancing technologies. The work combines these interests with my observations of day-to-day experiences. Isolated events provide found compositions which I then manipulate: a seemingly …


Epileptogenesis Causes Long-Term Plasticity Changes In Calbindin D-28k In The Rat Pilocarpine Model Of Acquired Epilepsy, Anne Johnston Harrison Jan 2005

Epileptogenesis Causes Long-Term Plasticity Changes In Calbindin D-28k In The Rat Pilocarpine Model Of Acquired Epilepsy, Anne Johnston Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting more than 2% of children and 1% of adults in the U.S. Emerging research has demonstrated that calcium, as a major second messenger system, underlies many of these injury-induced plasticity changes associated with the development of epilepsy. Recent evidence has suggested that long term elevations in neuronal resting calcium levels play a role in initiating and maintaining epileptogenesis (the development of epilepsy). Collaborations between our lab and others have produced microarray data that suggests that a major calcium-binding protein, calbindin D-28k, mRNA levels are decreased in epileptic rats even up …


Post-Juvenile Brain Development Modulates Seizure Characteristics And Diazepam Efficacy In The Rat Pilocarpine-Se Model, William H. Holbert Ii Jan 2005

Post-Juvenile Brain Development Modulates Seizure Characteristics And Diazepam Efficacy In The Rat Pilocarpine-Se Model, William H. Holbert Ii

Theses and Dissertations

These studies were completed to examine how status epilpeticus seizure characteristics are modulated during post-juvenile brain development. This may determine if postnatal age in rats is a better identifier of stages of post-juvenile brain development. The first study fully detailed the acute discrete seizure phase of the rat pilocarpine-SE model. Results for this study showed that Racine behavioral severity score, spike frequency, and seizure severity during the acute discrete seizure phase change in relation to post-juvenile brain developmental stages. The second study fully detailed early and late patterns of status epilepticus. Results for this study displayed modulation of time in …


Acute And Chronic Effects Of Artificial Rearing On Rat Genioglossus Muscle, Wayne Allen Moore Jr. Jan 2005

Acute And Chronic Effects Of Artificial Rearing On Rat Genioglossus Muscle, Wayne Allen Moore Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

In most mammals, nutritive suckling is critical during the early neonatal period. The genioglossus (GG) muscle in rat plays an important role in protruding the tongue for efficient suckling. The purpose of this study was to examine the contractile properties and myosin heavy chain (MHC) phenotype of the GG following an early period of artificial rearing, which reduced nutritive suckling. Beginning at three days of age Sprague-Dawley rats were fed via implanted gastric cannula until postnatal day 14 (P14). At P14, artificially reared (AR) rat pups were either placed with a lactating dam until the end of the weaning period …


Trends In Canine Lyme Disease On The Eastern Shore Of Virginia, 2000-2005, Ellen Garrett Hillyer Jan 2005

Trends In Canine Lyme Disease On The Eastern Shore Of Virginia, 2000-2005, Ellen Garrett Hillyer

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Lyme disease is caused by the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Research has shown that dogs can be used as sentinels for human infection of Lyme disease. The purpose of this 5-year, retrospective study was to determine if there was any evidence that the incidence of canine Lyme disease has increased between 2000 and 2005 in Accomack and Northampton counties. An increased incidence in Lyme disease in dogs may indicate an increased present or future risk of Lyme disease in humans.Methods: Cases of canine Lyme disease were identified via practice invoicing systems and dogs that received doxycycline were entered into …


One Is Concerned Because One Is A Human Being, Sayaka Suzuki Jan 2005

One Is Concerned Because One Is A Human Being, Sayaka Suzuki

Theses and Dissertations

I am a nomad. I have not had a place to call home in almost two decades. I wander around the world searching for a place to belong, only to discover the forgotten lives and silenced voices. I have come to realize that to find a "home," I need to first create a world in which to belong to. My recent works are investigations of possibilities for another world, a world of compassion, through a critique of our current society. I create as I rediscover the forgotten histories and lives. My work captures my process of remembering and celebrating while …


Evidence For Absence Of Latchbridge Formation In Phasic Saphenous Artery, Shaojie Han Jan 2005

Evidence For Absence Of Latchbridge Formation In Phasic Saphenous Artery, Shaojie Han

Theses and Dissertations

Tonic arterial smooth muscle can produce strong contractions indefinitely by formation of slowly cycling crossbridges (latchbridges) that maintain force at a high energy economy. To fully understand the uniqueness of mechanisms regulating tonic arterial contraction, comparisons have been made to phasic visceral smooth muscles that do not sustain high forces. This study explored mechanisms of force maintenance in a phasic artery by comparing KCl-induced contractions in the tonic, femoral artery (FA) and its primary branch, the phasic saphenous artery (SA). KCl rapidly (5 N/m2) and [ca2+]i (250 nM) in FA and SA. By 10 min, [ca2+]i declined to 175 nM …