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Differential Glial Cell Responses In The Dentate Gyrus In Young Adult And Aged Brains Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Christoher Shin Jun 2011

Differential Glial Cell Responses In The Dentate Gyrus In Young Adult And Aged Brains Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Christoher Shin

Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 3 out of every 1000 Americans each year, and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after trauma, accounting for as many as 56,000 deaths per year (Dutton and McCunn, 2003). The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention found that TBI most commonly occurs in adolescents and young adults aged from 15 to 24 years and in the elderly (75 years and older). Following injury, the secondary injury begins almost immediately after the primary injury and is the result of a number of cascades where once activated, exacerbate the already altered homeostasis of …


Modeling The Homeschool Timetabling Problem Using Integer Programming, Subhashini Srinivasan Jun 2011

Modeling The Homeschool Timetabling Problem Using Integer Programming, Subhashini Srinivasan

Theses and Dissertations

Home schooling has steadily been increasing in the past decade. According to a survey in 2007, about 2.5 million children were being home schooled in the US. Typically, parents provide education at the convenience of their home and in some cases an instructor is appointed for the same. The Home School Timetabling problem (HSTP) deals with assigning subjects, timeslots and rooms to every student. In doing so, there are certain hard and specialty constraints that are to be satisfied. Integer programming (IP) has been used in solving the HSTP as it has the advantage of being able to provide information …


Cis 3,4', 5-Trimethoxy-3'-Aminostilbene (Stilbene 5c) Induces Apoptosis And Protective Autophagy In B16f10 Melanoma Cells, Betelehem Asnake Jun 2011

Cis 3,4', 5-Trimethoxy-3'-Aminostilbene (Stilbene 5c) Induces Apoptosis And Protective Autophagy In B16f10 Melanoma Cells, Betelehem Asnake

Theses and Dissertations

The weak selectivity of chemotherapeutic drugs against tumors has sustained efforts to develop better chemotherapeutic agents that are more potent and selective at destroying tumor cell populations versus normal tissues. This project focuses on evaluating the cell killing effects of the microtubule inhibitor, stilbene 5c, against melanoma cancer. We utilized an in vitro murine melanoma model to study the effects of stilbene 5c on tumor proliferation and survival, as well as growth arrest and cell death. Our findings indicate that stilbene 5c promotes dose dependent cell death in melanomas with the induction of apoptosis and autophagy. The role of autophagy …


Three-Dimensional Photographic Evaluation Of Immediate Soft Tissue Changes Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion, Nathan Granillo Jun 2011

Three-Dimensional Photographic Evaluation Of Immediate Soft Tissue Changes Following Rapid Maxillary Expansion, Nathan Granillo

Theses and Dissertations

The skeletal and dental changes associated with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) are well documented. Effects on the soft tissues and the potential impact on facial esthetics have not been well researched. The purpose of this study was to evaluate immediate changes in facial soft tissues as a result of RME by comparing threedimensional digital photogrammetric images before and after RME treatment. The 3dMDface System was used to obtain photographic images of 21 patients (mean age = 11.8 years) before and after RME treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency. A control group of 13 patients (mean age = 12.7 years) also had …


Self-Perception Of Smile Aesthetics And Self-Esteem, Larry Scarborough Jun 2011

Self-Perception Of Smile Aesthetics And Self-Esteem, Larry Scarborough

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Self-perception of smile aesthetics has been suggested as the most common reason for seeking orthodontic treatment. A recent study concluded that an improvement of dental attractiveness at the end of orthodontic treatment had positive effects on self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between one’s self-perceived smile aesthetics and their self-esteem. Methods: A survey was conducted where each subject completed an evaluation of their smile aesthetics and a Rosenberg Self-esteem Test (RST). A smiling photograph of each subject was evaluated by dental professionals for dental aesthetics and straightness. Results: Female students rated their …


Cmv Vaccine Development Based On Epithelial Entry Mediators Ul128, Ul130, Ul131, Frances Saccoccio Jun 2011

Cmv Vaccine Development Based On Epithelial Entry Mediators Ul128, Ul130, Ul131, Frances Saccoccio

Theses and Dissertations

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the leading cause of sensorineural hearing loss in the U.S. CMV vaccines developed to date do not protect the majority of women of childbearing age from primary CMV infection. Insufficient vaccine-induced epithelial entry neutralizing activity may be the reason for poor performance of these vaccines. CMV entry into endothelial and epithelial but not fibroblast cells requires the virion envelope complex gH/gL/UL128-131. Since current vaccines do not target this complex, epithelial entry mediators UL128-131 are attractive subunit CMV vaccine candidates, since they should target mucosal immunity. The mucosal immune response, specifically salivary epithelial entry neutralizing activity, has …


Heat Shock Proteins As Novel Cancer Therapeutics: Targeting The Hallmarks Of Cancer, Chao Li Jun 2011

Heat Shock Proteins As Novel Cancer Therapeutics: Targeting The Hallmarks Of Cancer, Chao Li

Theses and Dissertations

Molecular chaperones, commonly known as heat shock proteins (HSPs), are essential for mammalian cells to maintain homeostasis, and HSPs function by inducing an ATPase-coupled structural change, followed by interactions with diverse co-chaperones and over 200 client proteins implicated in many critical signaling networks. These highly expressed HSPs participate in the onset and progression of several human diseases including cancer, and their connection with tumorigenesis has facilitated research and clinical trials related to targeting HSPs as a novel anti-tumor therapy. The predominant mechanism of chaperone inhibition is through either disruption of the HSP association with client protein or an altered binding …


Examination Of Nak-Associated Protein-1 (Nap1) Homo And Hetero-Interactions In The Interferon Pathway”, Richard Call May 2011

Examination Of Nak-Associated Protein-1 (Nap1) Homo And Hetero-Interactions In The Interferon Pathway”, Richard Call

Theses and Dissertations

Double stranded RNA (dsRNA), the genomic material of some viruses and a replication intermediate in others, is recognized by multiple signaling receptors that initiate the anti-viral response1. Viruses have developed mechanisms to circumvent the anti-viral response by targeting components of the signaling pathway. An example of one such pathway is the TLR3 signaling pathway, which contains a kinase complex that activates interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), leading to production of type I interferons. The kinase complex consists of a scaffold protein, NAK-associated protein 1 (NAP1), and two kinases, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK-1) and IκB kinase epsilon (IKKε). A fourty residue …


Thesis Proposal For: General And Specific Definitions: A Network Study Of Differential Association, Nicholas Hauman May 2011

Thesis Proposal For: General And Specific Definitions: A Network Study Of Differential Association, Nicholas Hauman

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines a largely unexplored aspect of Sutherland’s (1974) model of differential association: the interplay of general and crime specific definitions favorable towards crime. Do individuals learn the specific techniques of a type of crime through interactions or do social interactions produce a general disposition towards all types of criminal behavior? Little prior research has been done on the influence of these definitions. Instead studies focus on only one or another, which leaves the details of general/specific definitions unexplored. With the aid of a mixed methodology of statistical and network analysis, this study explores general/specific definitions simultaneously by focusing …


Enhancing Family Functioning To Buffer Risk During Middle School Transition: Development Of The Multiple Family Group Weekend Retreat., Robert Broce May 2011

Enhancing Family Functioning To Buffer Risk During Middle School Transition: Development Of The Multiple Family Group Weekend Retreat., Robert Broce

Theses and Dissertations

Children experience changes in multiple levels of their social ecologies when they transition into middle school (Eccles, 1999; Jozefowicz-Simbeni, 2008). These biological, psychological, social, and environmental changes create increased risk for dropout and other factors related to academic adjustment (Cataldi, Laird & KewalRamani, 2009). For low- income minority children these risks can be magnified by environmental and social factors (Ge et al., 2002). Healthy family functioning, including balanced levels of cohesion and flexibility, has been shown to buffer these risks (Burchinal, Roberts, Zeisel & Rowley, 2008; Olson, 2010; Wampler, Munsch, & Adams, 2002) and was targeted by a Multiple Family …


[2011-05-20] Meeting Of The Board Of Visitors Of Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors May 2011

[2011-05-20] Meeting Of The Board Of Visitors Of Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors

VCU Board of Visitors Minutes

Official minutes of the VCU Board of Visitors and its Executive Committee.


[2011-05-19] Meeting Of The Academic And Health Affairs Policy Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors May 2011

[2011-05-19] Meeting Of The Academic And Health Affairs Policy Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors

VCU Board of Visitors Minutes

Official minutes of the VCU Board of Visitors and its Executive Committee.


[2011-05-19] Joint Meeting Of The Board Of Visitors Of Virginia Commonwealth University And The Vcu Health System Board Of Directors, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors May 2011

[2011-05-19] Joint Meeting Of The Board Of Visitors Of Virginia Commonwealth University And The Vcu Health System Board Of Directors, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors

VCU Board of Visitors Minutes

Official minutes of the VCU Board of Visitors and its Executive Committee.


[2011-05-19] Meeting Of The Finance, Investment And Property Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors May 2011

[2011-05-19] Meeting Of The Finance, Investment And Property Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors

VCU Board of Visitors Minutes

Official minutes of the VCU Board of Visitors and its Executive Committee.


[2011-05-19] Meeting Of The External Relations Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors May 2011

[2011-05-19] Meeting Of The External Relations Committee, Virginia Commonwealth University. Board Of Visitors

VCU Board of Visitors Minutes

Official minutes of the VCU Board of Visitors and its Executive Committee.


Statistical Image Reconstruction For Quantitative Computed Tomography, Joshua Evans May 2011

Statistical Image Reconstruction For Quantitative Computed Tomography, Joshua Evans

Theses and Dissertations

Statistical iterative reconstruction (SIR) algorithms for x-ray computed tomography (CT) have the potential to reconstruct images with less noise and systematic error than the conventional filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm. More accurate reconstruction algorithms are important for reducing imaging dose and for a wide range of quantitative CT applications. The work presented herein investigates some potential advantages of one such statistically motivated algorithm called Alternating Minimization (AM). A simulation study is used to compare the tradeoff between noise and resolution in images reconstructed with the AM and FBP algorithms. The AM algorithm is employed with an edge-preserving penalty function, which is …


The Protective Role Of Psychological Empowerment On Tobacco Use Behaviors, Brittany Berry May 2011

The Protective Role Of Psychological Empowerment On Tobacco Use Behaviors, Brittany Berry

Theses and Dissertations

THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT ON TOBACCO USE BEHAVIORS By: Brittany M. Berry, B.A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2011 Major Director: Aashir Nasim Associate Professor Department of Psychology The primary aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of psychological empowerment (i.e., the belief that one has the knowledge, capabilities, and authority to be an active agent in their own life and in the surrounding community) on the tobacco use behaviors of young adults. A secondary aim was …


Impact Of Medicare Part D Coverage Gap On Beneficiaries' Adherence To Prescription Medications, Urvi Desai May 2011

Impact Of Medicare Part D Coverage Gap On Beneficiaries' Adherence To Prescription Medications, Urvi Desai

Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage to seniors through a benefit plan with a major deductible inserted in the middle. It is important to study the extent to which this structure affects seniors’ adherence to prescription medications. Therefore, this study had the following objectives: (1) To identify characteristics of beneficiaries reaching and not reaching the coverage gap, (2) To study the entry and exit times from the coverage gap, (3) To study the impact of a complete gap in coverage on beneficiaries’ adherence to prescription medications, (4) To study the impact of a partial gap in coverage on …


Quick Xlthlx Fish, Andrew Brehm May 2011

Quick Xlthlx Fish, Andrew Brehm

Theses and Dissertations

A sequence of short stories both fact and fiction leading to, resulting from, or having nothing to do with the three sculptures that comprise The Crescent Club, an installation for the Anderson Gallery.


Parent-Child Communication About Substance Use: Experiences Of Latino Emerging Adults, Kathryn Reid-Quiñones May 2011

Parent-Child Communication About Substance Use: Experiences Of Latino Emerging Adults, Kathryn Reid-Quiñones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the current studies was to identify messages that Latino parents communicate to their offspring about the use of legal and illegal drugs and to determine associations between parental messages and substance use outcomes. Previous research has identified parent-child communication as protective against tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use. However, most of these studies have failed to examine the specific messages communicated and those that have focused almost exclusively on non-Hispanic Caucasians. Study 1 identified messages that Latino parents communicate to their offspring regarding legal and illegal drugs through two focus groups with Latino college students (N = …


Growth Mechanisms Of Complex Organics In The Gas Phase And On Metal Nanoparticles Generated By A Laser Vaporization Process, Abdel Rahman Soliman May 2011

Growth Mechanisms Of Complex Organics In The Gas Phase And On Metal Nanoparticles Generated By A Laser Vaporization Process, Abdel Rahman Soliman

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, the ion mobility mass spectrometry technique is used to study the possible mechanisms of formation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polyaromatic nitrogen-containing hydrocarbons (PANHs) via the ion-molecule reactions of acetylene neutrals with different aromatic cations, in order to infer the possible mechanisms of formation of PAHs and PANHs in different environments such as interstellar media under different ionizing conditions. Furthermore, this technique is used to probe structures, address the thermochemistry, and measure the kinetics of the product ions originated from these reactions. Reactions of benzene radical cations with acetylene produce styrene and naphthalene-type cations at high temperatures. …


Live Attitude, Keith Jason Varadi May 2011

Live Attitude, Keith Jason Varadi

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis serves as an open-ended document of a young artist attempting to sift through his accumulated opinions in order to figure out what it means to accept complicity in the face of auspicious authority, rapid turnover, and paper-thin irony and nihilism, while still striving to stake a claim at something worth making and defending.


Teaching English Language Learners In The Art Classroom: A Survey Of Approaches, Alana Greer May 2011

Teaching English Language Learners In The Art Classroom: A Survey Of Approaches, Alana Greer

Theses and Dissertations

This study consisted of an online survey of members of the National Art Education Association Elementary Division in which 29 participants answered questions related to their instruction of English language learners in the elementary art classroom. Four participants participated in follow-up interviews as the researcher sought to answer the research questions: What pedagogical and curricular adaptations in the art classroom may be effective strategies for teaching English language learners? What are the perceived challenges of having a linguistically diverse art classroom? Participants offered a variety of pedagogical adaptations but suggested few curricular adaptations. Participants revealed challenges related to their teacher …


Meeting Sanford Meisner: An Investigation Of The Origins, Development, And Practical Application Of The Meisner Technique, Mandy Butler May 2011

Meeting Sanford Meisner: An Investigation Of The Origins, Development, And Practical Application Of The Meisner Technique, Mandy Butler

Theses and Dissertations

The Sanford Meisner Technique is among the most mysterious and misunderstood approaches to the craft of acting. Very often, it is taught poorly, incompletely, or even dangerously. Through the exploration of Meisner’s private life, as well as a detailed analysis of his system, this work aims to dispel some of the common misconceptions which plague the Technique and its most fervent supporters. After being made privy to his biography, readers will be taken through Meisner’s foundational exercises, beginning at the first phase of Repetition and ending with the introduction of text. In addition to the descriptions of student responsibilities, the …


Movement For The Actor: A Practical Approach To The Application Of Movement Training, Elizabeth Ressegger-Slone May 2011

Movement For The Actor: A Practical Approach To The Application Of Movement Training, Elizabeth Ressegger-Slone

Theses and Dissertations

An essential tool in actor education, movement training is often viewed as esoteric and difficult to apply directly to an actor’s craft. It varies widely from institution to institution, and covers anything from stage combat to Alexander Technique. One never knows what they will encounter upon entering a movement class, and students frequently have difficulty connecting work done in the movement studio to work done in the acting studio. In order for movement training to become better integrated and more easily identifiable as a necessary part of actor training, it is important to get to the essential qualities that all …


Application Of Pharmacometric Methods To Improve Pediatric Drug Development, Mallika Lala May 2011

Application Of Pharmacometric Methods To Improve Pediatric Drug Development, Mallika Lala

Theses and Dissertations

Pharmacometrics is a quantitative science that is rapidly changing the landscape of drug development, and particularly so for the pediatric population. The motivation behind the research underlying this dissertation is to contribute towards the improvement of pediatric drug development by the astute application of pharmacometric methods. Two distinct research areas have been focused upon: 1- improving pediatric pharmacokinetic (PK) trial design and 2- improving pediatric dosing of warfarin by using a genetics-based dosing regimen. The first project examined in detail the feasibility of and simulation-based methodology for implementing a recent regulatory PK quality standard. The focus was on designing pediatric …


Social Support Received Online And Offline By Individuals Diagnosed With Cancer, Jessye Cohen May 2011

Social Support Received Online And Offline By Individuals Diagnosed With Cancer, Jessye Cohen

Theses and Dissertations

Life after treatment for cancer has become a primary focus for health service provider communities as the number of individuals living longer grows. The medical and psychosocial needs of cancer survivors have been prominent in the popular and scientific literature. A major focus for psychologists has been the relationships and social support networks of individuals diagnosed with cancer. The current study explored a recent phenomenon within this realm, the use of Internet resources for online support. The purpose of this study was to compare social support received online and social support received offline among people diagnosed with cancer who use …


Designing A Musical Theatre Curriculum For The Modern University, Justin Amellio May 2011

Designing A Musical Theatre Curriculum For The Modern University, Justin Amellio

Theses and Dissertations

The world around us has changed so much, socio-economically, that musical theatre departments around the country are facing budget shortfalls, staff attrition and even vertical cuts leading to full departmental closings. This paper attempts to divert these measures, as well as address the new role of student as consumer, by way of proposing a new musical theatre curricular model to satisfy the needs of both student and university alike. Topics such as fiscal responsibility in academe, departmental expectations, current employment statistics in the musical theatre field and current student learning outcomes are covered. The current student learning outcomes are then …


Aging Effect In The Wettability Of Nickel Nanorod Arrays, Nahla Albarakati May 2011

Aging Effect In The Wettability Of Nickel Nanorod Arrays, Nahla Albarakati

Theses and Dissertations

The time-dependent wettability of nickel nanorod arrays was studied by measuring their water contact angles as a function of "aging" time in air. The nickel nanorod arrays were deposited on silicon substrates by DC magnetron sputtering using an oblique angle of 85° with respect to the substrate normal. By changing the deposition time from 10 to 90 min., the diameter, height, and separation of the nanorods were varied. The water contact angles of each sample were then periodically measured from a minimum aging time of 30 min. after deposition and exposure to air, up to a maximum aging time of …


A Subversive Socialist Craftsperson In The Post-Post Modern World (The Conspiratorial Ranting Of Kristoff Kamrath), Kristoffer Kamrath May 2011

A Subversive Socialist Craftsperson In The Post-Post Modern World (The Conspiratorial Ranting Of Kristoff Kamrath), Kristoffer Kamrath

Theses and Dissertations

My research in this thesis delves into the corruption of American culture and my personal experience with the academic institution of art school. I delineate my symbolic representation of a social agenda through images and objects that reference the absurdity of institutionalized art and the decay of socialist idealism in the realm of crafts and contemporary culture at large.