Digital Commons Network^™

Commonwealth Times 2020-09-09

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Commonwealth Times 2020-09-02

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Commonwealth Times 2020-08-19

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

The Unicorn As Lifelong Companion: Remixing Inclusive, Intergenerational Art Education Journeys With The Freedom Of Froebel And Wildness Of Waldorf, Courtney Lee Weida, Carlee Bradbury

International Journal of Lifelong Learning in Art Education

In what ways can the symbol of the unicorn represent and inform collaborative, intergenerational visions of art education? This paper outlines some of the roles of the unicorn as a theme and a framework for contemporary applications of art education relating to enduring Froebelian art education, Waldorf-inspired art teaching, and inclusive community art practice as a form of remix. This research seeks to illuminate enduring but oft-neglected areas of inspiring art curriculum for teachers and learners across the lifespan.

Twenty-First Century B.I.T.C.H. Frameworks: Hip Hop Feminism Comes Of Age, Aria S. Halliday, Ashley N. Payne

Journal of Hip Hop Studies

This special issue is dedicated to the bad bitches. The ratchet women. The classy women. The hood feminists. The “feminism isn’t for everybody” feminists. Those women, femmes, and girls who continuously (re)present and (re)construct Black girl/womanhood. The creatives, the innovators, the women that are “often imitated, but never duplicated.” This issue is dedicated to you and the ways in which you challenge us to (re)define what it means to be Black girls/women in this world and what it means to reclaim power over your own representation and images. This issue is for you, defined by you, and inspired by you.

Emergence, Mechanics, And Development: How Behavior And Geometry Underlie Cowrie Seashell Form, Michael G. Levy, Michael R. Deweese

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Ink (2020)

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.

Commonwealth Times 2020-02-19

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Incarcerated Fathers’ Experiences In The Read To Your Child/Grandchild Program: Supporting Children’S Literacy, Learning, And Education, Esther Prins, Tabitha Stickel, Anna Kaiper-Marquez

Journal of Prison Education and Reentry (2014-2023)

In response to rising parental incarceration, some correctional facilities and outside organizations offer family literacy programs for parents in prison. However, research on these correctional education initiatives is scant. This paper uses qualitative data to analyze how 11 fathers in a rural Pennsylvania prison were involved in their children’s literacy, learning, and education before and during incarceration and through the Read to Your Child/Grandchild (RYCG) program. Before RYCG, most fathers had taken steps such as reading to children, teaching reading and math, attending parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, and singing and rhyming—and then sought to continue supporting their children’s learning …

Commonwealth Times 2020-02-12

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Commonwealth Times 2020-02-05

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Commonwealth Times 2020-01-29

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Not Missing: Transcriptions, J. L. Gaustad

Someone's Missing...and I Think It's Me

Not Missing: Transcriptions contains transcriptions of handwritten notes and journal entries from the book Someone's Missing...and I Think It's Me: Our Great Adventure with Dementia, by J.L. Gaustad. It is meant to accompany that book, with page numbers keyed to the pages in the book. For the print edition, this separate zine will be included in a pocket in the cover.

Increased C-Reactive Protein Is Associated With The Severity Of Thoracic Radiotherapy-Induced Cardiomyopathy, Justin M. Canada, Georgia K. Thomas, Cory R. Trankle, Salvatore Carbone, Hayley Billingsley, Benjamin W. Van Tassell, Ronald K. Evans, Ryan Garten, Elisabeth Weiss, Antonio Abbate

Internal Medicine Publications

Background: Irradiation of the heart during cancer radiotherapy is associated with a dose-dependent risk of heart failure. Animal studies have demonstrated that irradiation leads to an inflammatory response within the heart as well as a reduction in cardiac reserve. In the current study we aimed to evaluate whether inflammatory biomarkers correlated with changes in cardiac function and reserve after radiotherapy for breast or lung cancer.

Methods and results: We studied 25 subjects with a history of breast or lung cancer without a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or heart failure, 1.8 years [0.4–3.6] post-radiotherapy involving at least 5 …

Interleukin‐1 Blockade Inhibits The Acute Inflammatory Response In Patients With St‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Antonio Abbate, Cory R. Trankle, Leo F. Buckley, Michael J. Lipinski, Darryn Appleton, Dinesh Kadariya, Justin M. Canada, Salvatore Carbone, Charlotte S. Roberts, Nayef Abouzaki, Ryan Melchior, Sanah Christopher, Jeremy Turlington, George Mueller, James Garnett, Christopher Thomas, Roshanak Markley, George F. Wohlford, Laura Puckett, Horacio Medina De Chazal, Juan G. Chiabrando, Edoardo Bressi, Marco Giuseppe Del Buono, Aaron Schatz, Chau Vo, Dave L. Dixon, Giuseppe G. Biondi-Zoccai, Michael C. Kontos, Benjamin W. Van Tassell

Internal Medicine Publications

Background

ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction is associated with an intense acute inflammatory response and risk of heart failure. We tested whether interleukin‐1 blockade with anakinra significantly reduced the area under the curve for hsCRP (high sensitivity C‐reactive protein) levels during the first 14 days in patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (VCUART3 [Virginia Commonwealth University Anakinra Remodeling Trial 3]).

Methods and Results

We conducted a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, clinical trial in 99 patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction in which patients were assigned to 2 weeks treatment with anakinra once daily (N=33), anakinra twice daily (N=31), or placebo (N=35). hsCRP area under the …

The Health Empowerment Program: A Primary Care – Area Agency On Aging Partnership, Daniel Bluestein, Brad Lazernick, Britt Gnilka

Case Studies from Age in Action

Educational Objectives

1. Appreciate the benefits of a primary care-area agency on aging collaboration.

2. Identify strategies for enhancing this cross-organizational partnership.

More Than Meets The Ipex: Finding The Right Source In An Immunosuppressed Patient, Ban Wang, Brant Ward

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident and Fellow Research Day Posters

Patients with immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked (IPEX) syndrome usually present with autoimmunity, but are also prone to significant infections. In this case report, we introduce a 21-year-old gentleman with IPEX syndrome who presented to our ED with witnessed episodes of tonic-clonic seizures that likely represented aseptic meningitis secondary to Ehrlichia infection.

We determined that our patient’s clear exposure history to animals likely carrying zoonotic diseases fits the clinical picture of aseptic meningitis that was triggered by systemic tick-borne infection. We were able to make our conclusions based on our patient’s multiple negative viral and bacterial in both blood and …

Prevalence Of The Hypervirulent Nap1/Bi/027 Strain Of C. Difficile In Southwestern Virginia And Risk Factors Associated With Infection, Andrew O. Hanna, Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie, Shikha Vasudeva

Graduate Medical Education (GME) Resident and Fellow Research Day Posters

C. difficile infection (CDI) incidence has increased over the last several decades. The BI/NAP1/027 ribotype was discovered in 2005 and has since been responsible for multiple outbreaks in the US and Canada. This subtype of C. Difficile is known to be more virulent in vivo and produce more severe disease. Limited regional data of the prevalence of this ribotype is available, which could help guide treatment. Using infection control data from a large regional hospital and a VA medical center, this study documented the prevalence of the 027 ribotype in Southwest Virginia. Patients were included if they were tested at …

Computational Modeling Of The Human Microbiome, Shomeek Chowdhury, Stephen S. Fong

Chemical and Life Science Engineering Publications

The impact of microorganisms on human health has long been acknowledged and studied, but recent advances in research methodologies have enabled a new systems-level perspective on the collections of microorganisms associated with humans, the human microbiome. Large-scale collaborative efforts such as the NIH Human Microbiome Project have sought to kick-start research on the human microbiome by providing foundational information on microbial composition based upon specific sites across the human body. Here, we focus on the four main anatomical sites of the human microbiome: gut, oral, skin, and vaginal, and provide information on site-specific background, experimental data, and computational modeling. Each …

A Game-Theoretic Model Of Monkeypox To Assess Vaccination Strategies, Sri Vibhaav Bankuru, Samuel Kossol, William Hou, Parsa Mahmoudi, Jan Rychtář, Dewey Taylor

Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Publications

Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic disease similar to smallpox. Its fatality rate is about 11% and it is endemic to the Central and West African countries. In this paper, we analyze a compartmental model of MPX dynamics. Our goal is to see whether MPX can be controlled and eradicated by voluntary vaccinations. We show that there are three equilibria—disease free, fully endemic and previously neglected semi-endemic (with disease existing only among humans). The existence of semi-endemic equilibrium has severe implications should the MPX virus mutate to increased viral fitness in humans. We find that MPX is controllable and can be …

Impacts Of Beef Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations On Environmental Sustainability In The United States And Practices For Improvement, Laura Clark

VCU Phi Kappa Phi Award Winners

The geographic concentration of beef concentrated animal feeding operations [CAFOs] has changed the landscape of environmental sustainability for agriculture in the United States. As land availability has decreased, operations have struggled to maintain feasible practices to minimize environmental detriment. The United States Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] imposed rules to be followed as a means of mitigation, but the fast-paced rate of change minimizes effectiveness. The overall environmental sustainability of beef CAFOs has shifted from historical rates, leading to a need for reassessment. Part of this reassessment will include stronger environmental practices to be considered for implementation. I explored the role …

Virginia Commonwealth University Courses [2020], Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Listing of courses for the 2020-2021 year.

Dredging Activity And Associated Sound Have Negligible Effects On Adult Atlantic Sturgeon Migration To Spawning Habitat In A Large Coastal River, Matthew Balazik, Michael Barber, Safra Altman, Kevin Reine, Alan Katzenmeyer, Aaron Bunch, Greg Garman

Rice Rivers Center Research

Dredging is considered a major threat/impedance to anadromous fish migrating to spawning habitat. Due to the perceived threat caused by dredging, environmental windows that restrict dredge operations are enforced within many rivers along the east coast. However, it is generally unknown how anadromous fish react to encountering an active dredge during spawning migrations. Atlantic sturgeon (ATS) are an endangered, anadromous species along the Atlantic slope of North America. To determine if and how an active dredge may affect ATS spawning migration, a Vemco Positioning System array was deployed around an active hydraulic-cutterhead dredge that adult ATS must traverse to reach …

Pattern Research Project: Emblems Of Colonialism - Mudejar Bookcase, Hallie Gillespie

Pattern Research Project

The Emblems of Colonialism project is a part of the broader Pattern Research Projects created by design history and design studio faculty members, Emily Smith and Dr. Sara Reed. Students in VCU Interior Design were asked to examine a pattern or motif used on a decorative object or surface during the colonial era in the Americas. During the 15th through 18th centuries, a period of colonialism forced new relationships between European countries and places in what is now known as North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. This project explores how colonial era patterns reveal power structures, othering, and the …

Gut Microbiome And Opioid-Induced Analgesic Tolerance, Sach D. Thakker, Karan H. Muchhala

Biology Publications

The gut microbiome plays an important role in maintaining health and homeostasis. Chronic usage of opioids leads to microbial dysbiosis in the gut. This dysbiosis leads to several severe diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Here, we discuss the literature on how opioids affect the gut-microbiome axis and how these changes alter the ability of morphine to produce analgesic tolerance. Chronic morphine exposure leads to increases in gut permeability due to disruption of tight junction proteins and increases in inflammation due to release of proinflammatory cytokines, both of which promote tolerance to morphine. Additionally, it …

Pattern Research Project: Emblems Of Colonialism - High Chest, Stephanie Wilburn

Pattern Research Project

The Emblems of Colonialism project is a part of the broader Pattern Research Projects created by design history and design studio faculty members, Emily Smith and Dr. Sara Reed. Students in VCU Interior Design were asked to examine a pattern or motif used on a decorative object or surface during the colonial era in the Americas. During the 15th through 18th centuries, a period of colonialism forced new relationships between European countries and places in what is now known as North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. This project explores how colonial era patterns reveal power structures, othering, and the …

Loneliness And Sleep: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Sarah C. Griffin, Allison B. Williams, Scott G. Ravyts, Samantha N. Mladen, Bruce D. Rybarczyk

Psychology Publications

Despite the mounting evidence linking loneliness with health, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain obscure. This systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between loneliness and one potential mechanism—sleep—identified 27 relevant articles. Loneliness correlated with self-reported sleep disturbance (r = .28, 95% confidence interval (.24, .33)) but not duration, across a diverse set of samples and measures. There was no evidence supporting age or gender as moderators or suggesting publication bias. The longitudinal relationship between loneliness and sleep remains unclear. Loneliness is related to sleep disturbance, but research is necessary to determine directionality, examine the influence of other factors, …

Cat Calls, Emily Keenum

Frontline Writers Archive

The spouse of a firefighter reveals his softer side, expressed in his love of saving cats.

Articles, stories, and other compositions in this archive were written by participants in Frontline Writers. The program offers current and former members of the public safety community a customized writing class, free of charge. The program encourages and assists participants in sharing their stories and experiences of service in a supportive setting with fellow public safety members.

Someone's Missing...And I Think It's Me: Our Great Adventure With Dementia, J. L. Gaustad

Someone's Missing...and I Think It's Me

Someone’s Missing…and I Think It’s Me is a unique blend of memoir, advice, and art. Gaustad chronicles her experiences with her late husband, prominent artist and VCU faculty member Gerald Donato, as they try to navigate the mysteries and terrors of early-onset dementia. Beautifully illustrated with original artwork by the author, Donato, and artist friends, Gaustad takes a brutally honest, sometimes harrowing, and ultimately life-affirming look at their challenged marriage. Although her original intent was to create a guide for those dealing with brain illness in loved ones, the book became a testament to the beauty and humor to be …

Encounters With Care: Mentoring Beginning Art Teachers Amid The Pre[Care]Ious Conditions Of Neoliberalism, Christina Hanawalt

Journal of Social Theory in Art Education

Arguing that significant encounters with care often go unnoticed in a United States’ educational system largely defined by a neoliberal agenda, in this article I undertake a deep investigation of encounters with care that emerged in my experiences mentoring beginning art teachers. I approach these encounters as provocative disturbances that might reveal the nuances and intricacies of the entanglements at work. Through this exploration, I aim to show that these caring entanglements are, in consequential ways, run through with precarity—not only as an existential condition of life, but as a specific set of social, cultural, political, and material relations …