Digital Commons Network^™

Impacts Of Urbanization On Dogwood Population Fitness, Kaitlyn Parkman

UROP Posters

The phenomenon of urbanization occurs all over the world. In an attempt to find jobs and financial stability, people move to cities for more opportunities. Threats associated with urbanization can lead to habitat fragmentation and the loss of biodiversity; species can die and cease to exist in a habitat where they once flourished (Newman et al. 2013). It is very important to study the populations of species in the city, because they are a vital part of the ecosystem. We are studying the fitness of dogwood trees located in an urban neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia known as “the Fan.” The …

Feather Reflectance Predicts Reproductive Success In Female Prothonotary Warblers, Miranda Foster

UROP Posters

In many avian species, both females and males display colorful feather ornaments that in males are known to often signal individual quality and serve as the basis for mate choice. We do not know however, if the same applies for female birds. In this study, we investigated whether carotenoid content in female Prothonotary Warblers (Prothonotaria Citrea) feathers, a measure of feather quality, was correlated with annual reproductive success. Feathers from 130 female individuals over a period of four breeding seasons were collected and their reflectance was measured, along with data on annual reproductive success. We found a significant positive relationship …

Commonwealth Times 2014-03-31

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Multi – Modality Molecular Imaging Of Adoptive Immune Cell Therapy In Breast Cancer, Fatma Youniss

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer treatment by adoptive immune cell therapy (AIT) is a form of immunotherapy that relies on the in vitro activation and/or expansion of immune cells. In this approach, immune cells, particularly CD8+ T lymphocytes, can potentially be harvested from a tumor-bearing patient, then activated and/or expanded in vitro in the presence of cytokines and other growth factors, and then transferred back into the same patient to induce tumor regression. AIT allows the in vitro generation and activation of T-lymphocytes away from the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, thereby providing optimum conditions for potent anti-tumor activity. The overall objective of this study is …

Behavioral Assessment And Hplc/Ms/Ms Identification Of The Synthetic Cannabinoid, Cp47,497, In Mice, Kimberly L. Samano

Theses and Dissertations

CP47,497 and other synthetic cannabinoid compounds were incipiently synthesized as research tools to investigate the mechanisms by which marijuana affects the brain and to aid in the development of therapeutic agents. Recently, these cannabinoid compounds have resurfaced in the designer drug market, marketed as “herbal incense products” (HIPs). Their popular use has resulted in an alarming rate of reported adverse effects and toxicities. Current legislation classified CP47,497 and several other synthetic cannabinoids compounds as Schedule I agents, but abuse of these compounds persists with serious consequences to public health and safety. In vivo studies examining the behavioral consequences of abused …

Multimodality Molecular Imaging Of [18f]-Fluorinated Carboplatin Derivative Encapsulated In [111in]-Labeled Liposome, Narottam Lamichhane

Theses and Dissertations

Platinum based chemotherapy is amongst the mainstream DNA-damaging agents used in clinical cancer therapy today. Agents such as cisplatin, carboplatin are clinically prescribed for the treatment of solid tumors either as single agents, in combination, or as part of multi-modality treatment strategy. Despite the potent anti-tumor activity of these drugs, overall effectiveness is still hampered by inadequate delivery and retention of drug in tumor and unwanted normal tissue toxicity, induced by non-selective accumulation of drug in normal cells and tissues. Utilizing molecular imaging and nanoparticle technologies, this thesis aims to contribute to better understanding of how to improve the profile …

Old World, New Media: Cross-Cultural Explorations With Camera And Analytic Text In Cusco, Peru, Scott Dupre Mills

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract OLD WORLD, NEW MEDIA: CROSS-CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS WITH CAMERA AND ANALYTIC TEXT IN CUSCO, PERU By Scott DuPre Mills, PhD. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Major Director: Dr. Nicholas A Sharp, Assistant Professor, Department of English This dissertation draws on my field research in Cusco, Peru, documenting Old World methods of making Andean musical instruments. The cross-cultural interactions I engaged in are concretized and documented in the ethnographic film I shot at the time and in my experimentation with original music …

Commonwealth Times 2014-03-17

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

United States Women Marines’ Experiences And Perspectives About Coping With Service Life: A Phenomenological Study, Beth-Ann Vealey

Theses and Dissertations

Women are expanding their numbers and roles in the United States military. This new generation of military women is exposed to unique factors related to their gender that contribute to challenges for psychosocial well-being and optimal performance. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), researchers have identified unique factors for military women, including increased combat exposure, continued military sexual trauma and harassment, and conflicting dual roles. These factors may create obstacles that inhibit help-seeking behaviors and support for military women, and remain an under-researched topic of study. Gender-specific research on military women is limited; current …

Dementia Caregivers: An Exploration Of Their Knowledge, Beliefs, And Behavior Regarding Advance Care Planning For End-Of-Life Care, Mariette Klein

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore what knowledge dementia caregivers have about advance care planning (ACP), how they learn to execute formal advance directives (ADs) or have engaged in an informal ACP process, and how they understand their roles as decision makers for the patients. Factors that contribute to the completion of an ACP process such as demographic, psychosocial, and situational factors are identified. From the grounded theory data analysis, a theory emerged about how ACP is accomplished and used by caregivers. Findings reveal that caregivers understand ACP as having the power to shape the dying process for …

Commonwealth Times 2014-02-24

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Hydroxocobalamin Treatment For Carbon Monoxide Exposures: Characterizing Hemoglobin Changes And Testing For Neurological Sequelae, Leonardo Somera

Theses and Dissertations

Prior work in our lab has indicated that reduced Hydroxocobalamin (B12r) can be added to human blood and is able to convert carbon monoxide (CO) into carbon dioxide. This has great potential as a direct antidote to mitigate the toxic effects of CO poisoning which is a public health risk. In the first part of our work, we use highly specific wavelengths of light and Raman spectroscopy to study changes in Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) between blood treated with oxygen and blood treated with oxygen and B12r in a flowing circuit of blood. Using Raman spectroscopy, we found that the addition of …

The Use Of Geographic Information Systems By Law Enforcement Agencies And Its Impact On Police Performance, Kun Ulvi

Theses and Dissertations

Do we know whether the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in law enforcement agencies increases police performance? This study examines the impact of GIS use to police performance outcomes in cities and counties of the U.S. between 2000 and 2007. Current research uses computerized mapping conceptualization to operationalize its measurement. Second, the police performance methodological context is used to measure the organizational impact of GIS. Finally, a new theoretical framework, information technology capacity that combines organizational, environmental and managerial factors to explain IT applications, is used to encompass most relevant dimensions of the subject matter. Findings indicate that the …

Commonwealth Times 2014-02-03

Commonwealth Times, 1969-

No abstract provided.

Combined Antiproliferative Effects Of The Aminoalkylindole Win55,212-2 And Radiation In Breast Cancer Cells, Sean Emery

Theses and Dissertations

The potential antitumor activity of mixed CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonists, such as the aminoalkylindole WIN55,212-2 (WIN2), has been extensively studied, but little information is available as to their potential interaction with conventional cancer therapies, such as ionizing radiation (IR). In the present work, we investigated the effects of WIN2 on the antiproliferative effects of radiation in human (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and murine (4T1) breast cancer cells, as well as an immortalized human breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). WIN2 or radiation alone inhibited breast tumor growth, while the combination of WIN2 and radiation was more effective than either agent alone in …

The Effect Of Retinoic Acid On Rai1 And Identification Of Retinoic Acid Receptor Binding Site In Human Rai1, Bingjie Xue

Theses and Dissertations

Previous studies showed haploinsufficiency of RAI1 is the main cause of Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS). SMS is a developmental neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, congenital anomalies, obesity, neurobehavioral abnormalities, and disrupted circadian sleep-wake pattern. SMS is caused by deletion or mutation of chromosomal region 17p11.2 that includes RAI1. Studies in the Elsea lab have shown that RAI1 is a dosage-sensitive gene. Haploinsufficiency of RAI1 leads to dysregulation of CLOCK, NR1D2, POMC, and BDNF, which are responsible for circadian rhythm, metabolism, and cognitive development. Based on the data from Elsea’s recent study on zebrafish, rai1 gene expression in zebrafish is regulated …

Inhibition Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus-Induced Cytokines Mrna Production In Human Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells By 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, Aparna Maiti, William A. Jiranek

Orthopaedic Surgery Publications

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the predominant cause of bone infection. Toll like receptors (TLRs) are an important segments of host response to infection and are expressed by a variety of cells including human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The active form of Vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) has potent immunoregulatory properties, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. The genomic action of 1,25(OH)2D3 is mediated by vitamin D receptor (VDR), hormone-regulated transcription factor. VDR interacts with co-activators and co-repressors are associated with chromatin histone modifications and transcriptional regulation. The aim of our study is to explore MRSA-induced TLRs-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines …

Genome-Wide And Gene-Based Association Studies Of Anxiety Disorders In European And African American Samples, Takeshi Otowa, Brion S. Maher, Steven H. Aggen, Joseph L. Mcclay, Edwin J. Van Den Oord, John M. Hettema

Psychiatry Publications

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are common mental disorders caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Since ADs are highly comorbid with each other, partially due to shared genetic basis, studying AD phenotypes in a coordinated manner may be a powerful strategy for identifying potential genetic loci for ADs. To detect these loci, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of ADs. In addition, as a complementary approach to single-locus analysis, we also conducted gene- and pathway-based analyses. GWAS data were derived from the control sample of the Molecular Genetics of Schizophrenia (MGS) project (2,540 European American and 849 African American …

In Situ Biological Resources: Soluble Nutrients And Electrolytes In Carbonaceous Asteroids/Meteorites. Implications For Astroecology And Human Space Populations, Michael Noah Mautner

Chemistry Publications

Ecosystems in space will need in-situ bioavailable nutrients. The measured nutrients in meteorites allow experiment-based estimates of nutrients in asteroids, and of the biomass and populations that can be derived from these in situ bioresources. In this respect, we found that carbonaceous chondrite meteorites can support microorganisms and plant cultures, suggesting that similar asteroid materials are also biologically fertile. The sustainable biomass and populations are determined by the available resource materials, their yields of nutrients and biomass, the biomass needed to support human populations, the duration of the ecosystem, and wastage. The bioavailable C, N, and electrolytes in carbonaceous chondrite …

Specific Localization Of Β-Arrestin2 In Myenteric Plexus Of Mouse Gastrointestinal Tract, Hercules T. Maguma, Dipanjana D. De, Sukhada Bhave, William L. Dewey, Hamid I. Akbarali

Pharmacology and Toxicology Publications

Abstract

β-arrestin2 is a key molecule involved in signaling and internalization of activated G protein-coupled receptors including µ-opioid receptors (MOR). Previously we have shown that decreased expression of β-arrestin2 upon chronic morphine is associated with the development of opioid tolerance in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the localization of β-arrestin2 within the gastrointestinal wall is not known. In this study we found that β-arrestin2 is localized in the soma of a select group of neurons in the myenteric ganglia but not in smooth muscle. The density of β-arestin2 was significantly higher in the ileum than the colon. We identified four variants …

Activation Of Nlrp3 Inflammasomes Enhances Macrophage Lipid-Deposition And Migration: Implication Of A Novel Role Of Inflammasome In Atherogenesis, Xiang Li, Yang Zhang, Min Xia, Erich Gulbins, Krishna M. Boini, Pin-Lan Li

Pharmacology and Toxicology Publications

Although Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in macrophages has been shown to be critical for the development of atherosclerosis upon atherogenic stimuli, it remains unknown whether activated Nlrp3 inflammasomes by other non-atherogenic stimuli induce alterations in macrophages that may contribute in the concert with other factors to atherogenesis. Thus, the present study tested the hypothesis that activation of Nlrp3 inflammasomes by ATP, which is a classical non-lipid danger stimulus, enhances the migration of macrophage and increases lipids deposition in macrophages accelerating foam cell formation. We first demonstrated that extracellular ATP (2.5 mM) markedly increased the formation and activation of Nlrp3 inflammasomes in …

Comparison Of The Inhibitory Potential Of Bavachalcone And Corylin Against Udp-Glucuronosyltransferases, Lina Shan, Shuman Yang, Gang Zhang, Dun Zhou, Zhenyu Qiu, Lei Tian, Hongxia Yuan, Yujun Feng, Xianbao Shi

Medicinal Chemistry Publications

Bavachalcone and corylin are two major bioactive compounds isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L., which has been widely used as traditional Chinese medicine for many years. As two antibiotic or anticancer drugs, bavachalcone and corylin are used in combination with other drugs; thus it is necessary to evaluate potential pharmacokinetic herb-drug interactions (HDI) of the two bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT 1A10, and UGT2B4 inhibited by bavachalcone and corylin. 4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU) was used as a nonspecific “probe” substrate. Bavachalcone had stronger inhibition on UGT1A1 …

Toward A Robust Computational Screening Strategy For Identifying Glycosaminoglycan Sequences That Display High Specificity For Target Proteins, Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan, Umesh R. Desai

Medicinal Chemistry Publications

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) interact with many proteins to regulate processes such as hemostasis, cell adhesion, growth and differentiation and viral infection. Yet, majority of these interactions remain poorly understood at a molecular level. A major reason for this state is the phenomenal structural diversity of GAGs, which has precluded analysis of specificity of their interactions. We had earlier presented a computational protocol for predicting “high-specificity” GAG sequences based on combinatorial virtual library screening (CVLS) technology. In this work, we expand the robustness of this technology through rigorous studies of parameters affecting GAG recognition of proteins, especially antithrombin and thrombin. The CVLS …

Virginia Commonwealth University Undergraduate Bulletin Courses [2014], Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU Bulletins

Listing of undergraduate courses for 2014-2015.

Barrier Island Morphology And Sediment Characteristics Affect The Recovery Of Dune Building Grasses Following Storm-Induced Overwash, Steven T. Brantley, Spencer Bissett, Donald R. Young, Catherine W. V. Wolner, Laura J. Moore

Biology Publications

Barrier islands are complex and dynamic systems that provide critical ecosystem services to coastal populations. Stability of these systems is threatened by rising sea level and the potential for coastal storms to increase in frequency and intensity. Recovery of dune-building grasses following storms is an important process that promotes topographic heterogeneity and long-term stability of barrier islands, yet factors that drive dune recovery are poorly understood. We examined vegetation recovery in overwash zones on two geomorphically distinct (undisturbed vs. frequently overwashed) barrier islands on the Virginia coast, USA. We hypothesized that vegetation recovery in overwash zones would be driven primarily …

A Simple Contact Mapping Algorithm For Identifying Potential Peptide Mimetics In Protein–Protein Interaction Partners, Alex Krall, Jonathan Brunn, Spandana Kankanala, Michael H. Peters

Computer Science Publications

A simple, static contact mapping algorithm has been developed as a first step at identifying potential peptide biomimetics from protein interaction partner structure files. This rapid and simple mapping algorithm, “OpenContact” provides screened or parsed protein interaction files based on specified criteria for interatomic separation distances and interatomic potential interactions. The algorithm, which uses all-atom Amber03 force field models, was blindly tested on several unrelated cases from the literature where potential peptide mimetics have been experimentally developed to varying degrees of success. In all cases, the screening algorithm efficiently predicted proposed or potential peptide biomimetics, or close variations thereof, and …

Framing Ethnic Variations In Alcohol Outcomes From Biological Pathways To Neighborhood Context, Karen G. Chartier, Denise M. Scott, Tamara L. Wall, Jonathan Covault, Katherine J. Karriker-Jaffe, Britain A. Mills, Susan E. Luczak, Raul Caetano, Judith A. Arroyo

Social Work Publications

Background

Health disparities research seeks to eliminate disproportionate negative health outcomes experienced in some racial/ethnic minority groups. This brief review presents findings on factors associated with drinking and alcohol‐related problems in racial/ethnic groups.

Methods

Those discussed are as follows: (i) biological pathways to alcohol problems, (ii) gene × stress interactions, (iii) neighborhood disadvantage, stress, and access to alcohol, and (iv) drinking cultures and contexts.

Results

These factors and their interrelationships are complex, requiring a multilevel perspective.

Conclusions

The use of interdisciplinary teams and an epigenetic focus are suggested to move the research forward. The application of multilevel research to policy, …

Test Of Ideational Praxis (Tip): Preliminary Findings And Interrater And Test–Retest Reliability With Preschoolers, Shelly J. Lane, Carol K. Ivey, Teresa A. May-Benson

Occupational Therapy Publications

Praxis is the ability of the brain to develop an idea for action and plan, organize, and execute unfamiliar motor actions. It enables purposeful interaction with people and things in the environment. Ideation is central to praxis but has been little researched. This study investigated the reliability of the Test of Ideational Praxis (TIP) and examined ideational praxis in typical preschoolers. TIP performance for 78 preschoolers ages 3, 4, and 5 yr was videotaped and scored by two trained raters. The TIP has strong interrater reliability, supporting earlier findings. Further, we documented test–retest stability over 2 wk. As a group, …

Chronic Behavioral And Cognitive Deficits In A Rat Survival Model Of Paraoxon Toxicity, Laxmikant Sudhir Deshpande, Kristin Phillips, Beverly Huang, Robert J. Delorenzo

Neurology Publications

Organophosphate (OP) compounds, including paraoxon (POX), are similar to nerve agents such as sarin. There is a growing concern that OP agents could be weaponized to cause mass civilian causalities. We have developed a rodent survival model of POX toxicity that is being used to evaluate chronic morbidity and to screen for medical countermeasures against severe OP exposure. It is well known that the survivors of nerve gas and chronic OP exposure exhibit neurobehavioral deficits such as mood changes, depression, and memory impairments. In this study we investigated whether animals surviving severe POX exposure exhibited long-term neurological impairments. POX exposure …

Council For Community Engagement Grants Impact Report 2007-2012, Jennifer Jettner, Valerie Holton

Division of Community Engagement Resources

As Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) takes its place among the nation‟s top 50 public research universities, our guiding principles have been an abiding focus on student success at all levels, unparalleled innovation through research, and a university-wide commitment to human health, and engagement and empowerment in our communities. To that end, VCU has named community engagement as a key focus area in its strategic plan with the aim of developing collaborative university-community partnerships that yield creative and relevant solutions for community-identified needs. These mutually-beneficial partnerships not only support the public good, but they also support our mission to advance knowledge …