Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Virginia Commonwealth University

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 4741 - 4770 of 7326

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

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

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

Theses and Dissertations

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

Go to article

Ige Production Regulation Via Cd23 Stalk Engagement And Cell Cycle Stimulation, Timothy Hays Caven Jan 2006

Ige Production Regulation Via Cd23 Stalk Engagement And Cell Cycle Stimulation, Timothy Hays Caven

Theses and Dissertations

CD23, the low affinity receptor for IgE, is expressed mainly on B cells and has been shown to regulate IgE production. Previously, recombinant mouse and human CD23 were constructed with a trimerizing isoleucine zipper motif attached in frame to the N-terminus of the entire extracellular CD23 (lz-ECCD23). The goal was to examine the role of the necessity of the CD23 stalk for binding IgE. Using PCR-based mutagenesis to delete the majority of the stalk, binding to IgE was lost. Further studies examined the effect of lz-ECCD23 in preventing IgE from binding FcεRI and therefore acting as a therapeutic agent. It …

Go to article

Determination Of The Band Gap Bowing Parameter Of A1xga1-Xn With Contactless Electroreflectance, Laura C. Mcglinchey Jan 2006

Determination Of The Band Gap Bowing Parameter Of A1xga1-Xn With Contactless Electroreflectance, Laura C. Mcglinchey

Theses and Dissertations

Contactless electroreflectance (CER), a modulation spectroscopy (MS) technique, has been used to study the A and C exciton transitions in A1xGa1-xN layers for a composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.48 at room temperature. Taking the entire composition range (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) into account by incorporating a previously reported band gap energy for AlN, the dependence of the A-exciton transition on composition showed a downward bowing from linearity. A bowing parameter of b = 1.7 eV was found. Analysis of the lower composition range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.48 resulted in a linear fit, as did the …

Go to article

Accelerating Whole-Cell Biocatalysis By Enhancing Outer Membrane Permeability, Ye Ni Jan 2006

Accelerating Whole-Cell Biocatalysis By Enhancing Outer Membrane Permeability, Ye Ni

Theses and Dissertations

Whole-cell biocatalysts are preferred in many biocatalysis applications. However, cell envelope often represents a formidable permeability barrier. As a result, reactions catalyzed by whole-cells are reportedly orders of magnitude slower than those of by their free enzyme counterparts. The present research addresses this critical issue by using membrane engineering approaches. Two E. coli strains with genetically altered outer membrane structures were used in the study, a lipopolysaccarides (LPS) mutant SM101 and a Braun's lipoprotein mutant E609L. The effects of outer membrane mutation on the permeability of substrates differing substantially in size and hydrophobicity were investigated by combining the mutant cells …

Go to article

Little Paintings, Robert William Land Jan 2006

Little Paintings, Robert William Land

Theses and Dissertations

Little Paintings is a document that describes the creation, influences and process of two films, "Betty Creek" and "New Berlin". The films are personal responses to my experiences growing-up and living in the Southern United States. The Thesis illustrates the influences of painters such as Jimmie Lee Sudduth and Willie Jinks and how their raw painting methods inspire the development of my films using a tactile approach to filmmaking.

Go to article

Applying Principles Of Information Design To Help Parents Accept Babies With Down Syndrome, Anita Eradla Jan 2006

Applying Principles Of Information Design To Help Parents Accept Babies With Down Syndrome, Anita Eradla

Theses and Dissertations

My creative project is a system of resource materials designed for parents and expecting parents to promote acceptance of babies with Down syndrome. This project is also a study of information architecture and icon development, and an opportunity to study the universal and emotive qualities of an iconic system.

Go to article

The Path Is A Circle, Marylea Martin Harris Jan 2006

The Path Is A Circle, Marylea Martin Harris

Theses and Dissertations

While the pastoral environment that surrounds my studio is inspirational in itself, my treescapes and organic abstractions are reflections of referential places experienced along my life's path. Considering the constant onslaught of information in our increasingly rushed society, I hope my work, influenced by the natural world, may allow the viewer to slow down briefly and live in the moment.

Go to article

Forging Space, Chance Burdick Liscomb Jan 2006

Forging Space, Chance Burdick Liscomb

Theses and Dissertations

I naturally like sculpture. My artistic medium of choice is sculpture because it occupies physical space commands attention and thought. The expressive qualities found in steel are numerous as they are in manipulation of found materials. Both materials involve a process of discovery on an evolving road towards any sculpture's ultimate conclusion. My primary goal is that my sculpture should be personal and capture the viewer's eye, stir his or her subconscious, and serve as a form of communication.

Go to article

Jimmy Hit His First Home Run, Eileen N. Rafferty Jan 2006

Jimmy Hit His First Home Run, Eileen N. Rafferty

Theses and Dissertations

This document begins with the end of a life and ends with the beginning of hope. It is a brief description of the artist's history, artistic and literary influences, and subsequent works produced during graduate school, specifically Dichotomy, Swan Dive, and Jimmy Hit His First Home Run. Topics discussed include Human Physiology, Transference, Buddhism, and Bubbles. This document was created in Microsoft Word 2004 for Mac, Version 11.2.

Go to article

Last Stand At Big Thunder Mountain, David Herbert Jan 2006

Last Stand At Big Thunder Mountain, David Herbert

Theses and Dissertations

I seek to pose questions about what people overlook or don't consider when viewing art in order to interpret what they see. When working on a project, I purposely retain the effect of my hand. The false crudeness is enhanced by my use of seemingly impoverished materials. This is akin to seeing the fishing wire holding up the miniature spaceship as it flies through the sky. This document was created with Microsoft Word XP.

Go to article

Functional Consequences Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Over-Expression In Human Gliomas, Emily Mullet Jan 2006

Functional Consequences Of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Over-Expression In Human Gliomas, Emily Mullet

Theses and Dissertations

Malignant brain tumors are among the deadliest of human cancers. Despit recent advancements in conventional therapies, glioblastomas remain incurable, largel y due to their ability to invade surrounding tissue. Matrix metalloproteinases are thought to contribute to the invaseive phenotype of human gliomas. Absent in normal brain, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) has been shown to be present in gliomas, and in particular in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). To begin to examine the role of MMP-1 in these tumore, two human glioma cell lines were stably transfected with MMP-1 cDNA. Confirmation of MMP-1 over-expression in these cells was achieved through real-time PCR and Western …

Go to article

The Ins And Outs Of School Provider Literature: A Multi-Year Content Analysis On Lgbt Youth, Caitlin Conor Ryan Jan 2006

The Ins And Outs Of School Provider Literature: A Multi-Year Content Analysis On Lgbt Youth, Caitlin Conor Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

This study is based on a content analysis of two primary sources: 1) literature published on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth in professional journals for school providers (school counselors, nurses, psychologists and social workers) over more than a 30-year period; and 2) materials developed for school providers on LGBT youth by states with laws, regulations and professional policies related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity in schools. Fifteen professional journals were identified that serve as primary and secondary journals for school providers. A total of 41 articles were published in these journals on LGBT youth between 1937 and …

Go to article

Light Of Life, Sabina I. Henry Jan 2006

Light Of Life, Sabina I. Henry

Theses and Dissertations

The path through life is filled with light and darkness but light casts shadows and can darken one's life. With this metaphor, I use light to symbolize the positive and shadows to represent the negative things that every one of us encounters. In my landscape paintings, the combination of light and darkness symbolizes my journey through life. There is a predominance of light in my paintings. Therefore, my intention is to portray the positive over the negative. In other words, I want to portray the light at the end of the tunnel.

Go to article

Conceptual Packaging, Thirada Raungpaka Jan 2006

Conceptual Packaging, Thirada Raungpaka

Theses and Dissertations

Packaging and package design is commonly thought of as a tool to attract the consumer to material goods. Packages, however, have other attributes. In Japan, packaging design is very charming because of the delicate selection of materials, images, and interaction. Different kinds of material provide different emotions and appeal to our sense of touch, which can be interpreted in many ways. Packaging lets us directly interact with an object and this experience becomes memorable and intimate. The combination of image and interaction creates another dimension of story telling. My creative project, Conceptual Packaging, is an experiment in using materials and …

Go to article

Undone, Julie J. Johnson Jan 2006

Undone, Julie J. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

My art has become rooted in a process of layering. I layer materials to explore technique and to express the concept of inside versus outside. The evidence of multiple layers of materials is symbolically connected to what is happening within my own life. I want the viewer to see an indication of deeper layers of process and materials rather than just the polished surface of an artwork. This layering process can also be seen as a metaphor for human nature, what we see on the outside is not always what is on the inside.

Go to article

21st Century Zen Garden, Allison Parker Andrews Jan 2006

21st Century Zen Garden, Allison Parker Andrews

Theses and Dissertations

This paper is a discussion of certain philosophical issues that have informed the progression of my work to date.

Go to article

Investigations Into Social Game Theory, Stephen Bryce Harper Jan 2006

Investigations Into Social Game Theory, Stephen Bryce Harper

Theses and Dissertations

Investigations into Social Game Theory is a document that describes my two-year exploration of the ritual encapsulated in our societal framework. It discusses the thoughts and processes that accompanied the three bodies of work that led to the creation of my final thesis exhibition.

Go to article

The Enduring Image, Michelle Lieb Jan 2006

The Enduring Image, Michelle Lieb

Theses and Dissertations

In my work, I have chosen to pursue the antiquated, experimental, and alternative processes of photography. A digital image, a web page, an e-book all point to the current pace of a society concerned with the beauty it can access in a moment of instant gratification. It often has no regard for a process that requires personal discipline to capture a moment, a place, or an idea. I find little enjoyment in the immediate, when I can instead experience what happens when the combination of chemicals, glass, wood, and the environment turn a potential photograph into an inimitable encounter. It …

Go to article

Fostering Imaginative Expression In Elementary Art Students: A Descriptive Study Of Teacher Strategies, Julia Robinson Bargo Jan 2006

Fostering Imaginative Expression In Elementary Art Students: A Descriptive Study Of Teacher Strategies, Julia Robinson Bargo

Theses and Dissertations

The students in my elementary art classes did not seem to be creating for themselves. They seemed to have the understanding there was only one correct answer in art class, and the art teacher knew what that answer was. By way of research I have found ways to create an atmosphere in my art room that promotes imagination and self expression in children, thus fostering a free and creative reaction from my students. Through understanding how and why one uses their imagination, an art teacher can enhance a student's ability to build and use his or her knowledge base. I …

Go to article

Influence Of Anti-Cd44 On Murine B Cell Activation, Tiana L. Wyant Jan 2006

Influence Of Anti-Cd44 On Murine B Cell Activation, Tiana L. Wyant

Theses and Dissertations

Lymphocyte activation and trafficking are indispensable to the immune system. CD44, an adhesion molecule, plays important roles in T cell activation, lymphocyte homing/trafficking, and tumor metastasis. Although the functions of CD44 have been shown in T cells and other leukocytes, little is known about its role in B cells. The effects of CD44 cross-linking on murine B cell activation via CD40L/IL-4 was explored using the anti-CD44 mAbs RK3G9 and IM7. Immobilized RK3G9 and IM7 could strongly inhibit B cell proliferation and Ig production, with IgE inhibition being prominent. Soluble anti-CD44 had no effect. The inhibitory effect of RK3G9 was not …

Go to article

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

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

Theses and Dissertations

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

Go to article

A 'Biorelevant' Approach For Accelerated In Vitro Release And In Vitro-In Vivo Relationship Of A Biodegradable, Naltrexone Implant, Sunil S. Iyer Jan 2006

A 'Biorelevant' Approach For Accelerated In Vitro Release And In Vitro-In Vivo Relationship Of A Biodegradable, Naltrexone Implant, Sunil S. Iyer

Theses and Dissertations

Characterization of in vitro and in vivo drug release profiles constitutes an important step in developing and optimizing an effective, long acting delivery system for naltrexone. Accelerated in vitro methods are also important for quality assurance of manufactured dosage forms. For drug release testing of sustained release parenteral dosage forms, the modified USP Apparatus 4 (flow-through cell) has been recommended by the The Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique/American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (FIP/AAPS) Guidelines. Details on such studies however, are generally not found in the literature. To incorporate 'biorelevance' to implant drug release studies, this research investigated an approach to apparatus design …

Go to article

Contrast: Unifying The Nuts And Bolts, Frank C. Carr Jan 2006

Contrast: Unifying The Nuts And Bolts, Frank C. Carr

Theses and Dissertations

The world is full of extremes and I enjoy studying the contrasts of these extremes. I am influenced by the soft and subtle, as well as the rough and unrefined. From printing on the most delicate of papers, to constructing objects from scrap metal and reclaimed barn wood, the pieces I produce are studies in contrast. In these works, I place extremes of media next to one another in a way that makes the viewer feel that these opposites belong together. I struggle to make the improbable seem ordinary and the mundane seem amazing.

Go to article

A Seamless Journey, Stefanie Neuner Jan 2006

A Seamless Journey, Stefanie Neuner

Theses and Dissertations

My quilts serve as a visual journal of some of my travels and experiences. Through my quilts, I remember the rich colors and memories of my European adventures. The methodical process of stitching quilts line by line is an important process for my recollection of the many steps taken during my trip abroad. Stitching fabric is the method that communicates the opportunities and experiences of my travel that I want to share with others.

Go to article

An Examination Of Career Decision-Making In The Context Of Female Offenders, Allison L. Stone Jan 2006

An Examination Of Career Decision-Making In The Context Of Female Offenders, Allison L. Stone

Theses and Dissertations

Female offenders often have had increased financial difficulties post-release because of lower levels of educational achievement and less job experience. Career programming may prove useful to female offenders by providing guidance with career decisions and strengthening career decision-making skills. The aims of this study were to investigate career decision-making skills and self-efficacy in the context of vocational programming for a group of female offenders. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used to examine scale scores for a group who participated in programming and a control group at the same correctional facility. A series oft tests revealed no significant differences between the …

Go to article

Poverty, Inequality & Terrorism Relationship In Turkey, Mutlu Koseli Jan 2006

Poverty, Inequality & Terrorism Relationship In Turkey, Mutlu Koseli

Theses and Dissertations

Poverty, Inequality & Terrorism Relationship in TurkeyUsing empirical evidence criminological studies have identified a relationship between poverty and crime and many studies have concluded that a high crime rate is associated with a higher poverty rate. Other studies indicate that inequalities are a better determinant of crime than absolute poverty. Social disorganization theory, anomie strain theory and Marxist theory have been used to explain the phenomenon. Guided by the aforementioned theories and previous literature on crime, this study looks at the terrorism issue and explores whether a relationship exists between poverty, inequality and terrorist incidents. The main hypothesis of this …

Go to article

Love Of Nature, Marguerite Z. Ratliff Jan 2006

Love Of Nature, Marguerite Z. Ratliff

Theses and Dissertations

I stand in awe of nature's beauty. The natural forms and colors of my subjects inspire me to create paintings and three-dimensional clay pieces. As I marvel at God's handiwork, my soul is enriched by the pure sight of His canvas. The rich bright colors of the organic shapes compel me to visually interpret what I experience as an expression of who and what I am, and what I want others to see. My intent is to focus on the elements of the subject matter where the color, shape, and form dominate the space.

Go to article

Opening The Heart, Gail Z. Carlin Jan 2006

Opening The Heart, Gail Z. Carlin

Theses and Dissertations

It is my discovery of the mandala that has had the most significant influence on me as an artist. The mandala, Sanskrit word for circle or center, is found in a majority of my pieces, either literally or symbolically. My interest in and subsequent use of the mandala began twenty years ago and continues to this day. The mandala is a primordial image found in the macrocosm of the universe, the microcosm of nature, and in the psyche of man. The circle has been used throughout the world in image and architecture as a sacred symbol since the beginning of …

Go to article

Public: An Exploration Of Community, Environment, And Technology, Christopher John Malven Jan 2006

Public: An Exploration Of Community, Environment, And Technology, Christopher John Malven

Theses and Dissertations

This project examines the potential of computer technology to enhance navigation within, and incorporate information-sharing into, the public urban environment.

Go to article

Cooking With Paint, Jody Lynn Schwab Jan 2006

Cooking With Paint, Jody Lynn Schwab

Theses and Dissertations

Graduate school has been a time of travel through experimentation. The journey has almost always been a search for materials and sources that match my need for working with the self-referential narrative within the framework of a process. Repeatedly, I would venture out and turn back, only to venture out again, packed with new materials and image sources, in search of a complete process. In retrospect, there have been no dead ends, only quenched curiosities that sometimes cleanly, often clumsily, lead one to the other. What is left is a series of explorations from which I can pluck similarities, clues …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last