Digital Commons Network^™

The Role Of Dna Methylation And Methyl Binding Domain Protein 2 In The Regulation Of Human Embryonic And Fetal Beta Type Globin Genes, Jeremy William Rupon

Theses and Dissertations

The genes of the human β-globin locus are located on chromosome 11 in the order of their expression during development: 5' ε, γ, β 3'. During development, silencing of the 5' gene occurs with activation of the immediate 3' gene. This process occurs twice and is termed hemoglobin switching. The exact mechanism(s) of this process have not been fully described. Herein, we describe a role for DNA methylation and methyl binding domain protein 2 in the transcriptional regulation of the human embryonic and fetal beta type globin genes. Adult mice containing the entire human β-globin locus as a yeast artificial …

Studies On The Molecular Biology Of Naegleru Fowleri And Identification Of N. Fowleri In The Environment, Rebecca Carmean Maclean

Theses and Dissertations

Naegleria fowleri, a free-living ameboflagellate, is the causative agent of primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Healthy humans sporadically become infected with N. fowleri and develop fatal PAM after recreational or work exposure to freshwater; accordingly, there is a need for monitoring the presence of pathogenic amebeflagellates in public freshwater. The present study was conducted to determine whether a nested PCR assay could be used for detection of N. fowleri in freshwater habitats. PCR analysis was used to test samples from Virginia, Connecticut, Arizona, and Oklahoma for the presence of N. fowleri in lakes, ponds, soil, and domestic water supplies. The amebae were …

Pathological Upregulation Of A Calcium-Stimulated Phosphatase, Calcineurin, In Two Models Of Neuronal Injury, Jonathan Elledge Kurz

Theses and Dissertations

Excitotoxic calcium influx and activation of calcium-regulated systems is a common event in several types of neuronal injury. This mechanism has been the focus of intense research, with the hope that a more complete understanding of how neuronal injury affects calcium-regulated systems will provide effective treatment options. This study examines one such calcium-stimulated enzyme, calcineurin, in the context of two common neurological pathologies, status epilepticus and traumatic brain injury.Status epilepticus was induced by pilocarpine injection. NMDA-dependent increases in calcineurin activity were observed in cortical and hippocampal homogenates. Upon closer examination, the most profound increases in activity were found to be …

Supportive And Unsupportive Responses From Parents As Moderators Of The Relationship Between Stressful Events And Negative Outcomes In Adolescents, Karen A. Muehl

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between stressful events in adolescents and negative outcomes of substance use, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Parental support and unsupportive parental responses were examined as moderators of this relationship. The research design was cross-sectional, and self-report data were collected from 100 adolescents in the 8th and 9th grades. As hypothesized, significant positive associations were found between perceived stressors and each of the three negative outcomes, as well as between unsupportive parental responses and the outcomes. Also consistent with hypotheses, and previous literature, was the finding of a significant inverse association …

A Longitudinal Investigation Of Cognitive Predictors Of Self-Care Behaviors In Youth With Type I Diabetes, Michelle Marie Greene

Theses and Dissertations

Cross-sectional research of youth with type I diabetes has demonstrated that rote and working memory predict blood glucose monitoring (BGM) and carbohydrate consumption, respectively; however, to date, no longitudinal follow-up studies exist. Rote and working memory subtests from well-standardized memory measures, along with a problem-solving and executive functioning measures were administered to 118 youth with type I diabetes, aged 9-16 in two waves of data collection (mean interval = 2.07 years). Diabetes care behaviors were assessed through the 24-hour Diabetes Interview. This study was the first to document longitudinal prediction of BGM by rote memory and fat consumption by working …

Association Between Smoking, Chemical Exposure And Hearing Loss In An Occupational Setting, Darlene W. Olive

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Twenty-two million Americans or roughly 8% of the population are hearing impaired. This affects more than just the ability for one to hear. In the last three decades, younger Americans have shown a sharp increase in hearing impairment. Hearing loss affects social and emotional well being and thus has the ability to decrease one's quality of life. This study was designed to examine the association between smoking, workplace chemical exposure, and hearing loss.Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in an occupational health clinic setting in Virginia. The study population consisted of employees from local businesses who visited the …

A Gis And Remote Sensing Based Analysis Of Impervious Surface Influences On Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) Nest Presence In The Virginia Portion Of The Chesapeake Bay, Jennifer M. Ciminelli

Theses and Dissertations

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and remote sensing techniques were used to predict relationships between bald eagle nest presences and land type, distance to land type and impervious surface cover area. Data plots revealed bald eagle nest presence decreases in response to an increase in area of bareland; increases with an increase in area of forested land; decreases with an increase in distance (m) to shoreline, and decreases in response to an increase in area of impervious surfaces. Logistic regression models identified impervious surfaces as an indicator for bald eagle nest presence (P 24% as unsuitable. Unsuitable area covered 17.82% of …

Photochemical Applications To The Study Of Complexity Phospholipid Bilayer Environments, Christopher John Wohl Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The physical and biophysical properties of a biological membrane model, phosphatidylcholine bilayers, were investigated using novel spiropyran/merocyanine molecular probes. The femtosecond to second dynamics of this system's photochemistry enabled bilayer viscosity and free volume to be studied over a broad time scale. Spiropyrans/merocyanines with different polarity were synthesized by changing the substitution of the indole moiety enabling determination of the trans-membrane properties of the bilayer. In addition, transient grating spectroscopy was used to study thermal energy transfer in phospholipid bilayers on a picosecond time scale.Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy was used to study the photo-induced spiropyran ring-opening and isomerization reactions that …

A Needs Assessment For Annual Physical Examination For Selected Richmond Public School Children, Aimee Gibbs

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: The following risk factors have found to be associated with inadequate health care and have been found to affect the well-being of children: racial or ethnic minority, poverty status, median family income, family structure of household, maternal education level, and parental employment status. Also, there has found to be health indicators including, teen pregnancy, asthma hospitalization, and lead poisoning cases that affect the well-being of a child and are associated with the presence of these risk factors in a population. Objectives: The objectives of this study is to (1) compare the presence of risk factors and health indicators in …

Small Molecules Binding To Serpins, Junaid Afridi

Theses and Dissertations

Serpins are a unique breed of proteins due to their enzymatic mechanism. Two systems were closely monitored during fluorescent binding studies, the ACT-CHY along with the AT:TRY interaction. Four different conformational variants of each system were studied including the native, cleaved, latent and complex forms. Three different fluorescent dyes were used to identify the conformations including ANS, TNS, and bis-ANS. SI studies and protease assays utilizing both Suc-AAPF-pNA and L-BAPNA were instrumental in determining conformations along with gel electrophoresis studies. The hydrophobic dyes bound to the different serpins with varying KD and ΔFmax due to structural variations among the conformers …

The Role Of Gonadal Hormones On Opioid Receptor Protein Density In Arthritic Rats, Matthew Kren

Theses and Dissertations

The majority of research on the endogenous opioid system has focused on various pain assays and the efficacy of different opioid agonists. However, minimal attention has been focused on the effects of gonadal hormones and their impact on the opioid peptide system. The present study was designed to determine the effects of modulation of gonadal hormones on the opioid receptor protein levels in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-treated arthritic and non-arthritic male and female Lewis rats. Midbrain and spinal cord tissues were collected for comparison of the μ, δ, and κ receptor protein levels in arthritic and non-arthritic animals. Male gonadectomy …

Ancient West Mexican Sculpture: A Formal And Stylistic Analysis Of Eleven Figures In The Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts, Crista Anne Pack

Theses and Dissertations

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) has in its collection eleven ancient West Mexican ceramic sculptures. Given that the VMFA's West Mexican Ceramic figure collection has not been included in any extensive study, this thesis serves to provide a critical analysis of these figures through a formal and stylistic approach. These analyses are preceded by a brief history of the West Mexican cultures and highlight the artistic similarities and differences between each region. The primary regions under discussion are Colima, Nayarit, and Jalisco which correspond to modern geopolitical boundaries. Primary sources for these discussions are the figures themselves, while …

Synthesis Of Novel Antimycobacterials And A Fluorescent Sensor For Simple Carbohydrates, Brian Thomas Walker

Theses and Dissertations

Cell surface carbohydrates play an important role in a wide variety of biological processes such as inflammation, tumor metastasis, and viral and bacterial infection. The goal of our research has been two-fold. The first objective was the synthesis of antimycobacterial compounds. A mannose containing tetrasaccharide from the mannan core of lipoarabinomannan (LAM) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been synthesized using α-D-methylmannopyranoside as starting material and Koeings-Knorr reactions to couple saccharides. The synthesis was completed in nine steps and in 14% total yield. This compound should be useful in competitive inhibition studies with macrophages or as an immunological marker. We have successfully …

The Effect Of Advertising On Attitudes Toward Tobacco Use And Decisions About Smoking Among Virginia Adolescents, John Rosser Matthews Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study seeks to determine 1) whether the type of advertising exposure is associated with adolescent health perceptions of tobacco use, and 2) whether the type of media exposure is associated with initiation plans (non-smokers) or quitting plans (smokers). Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of middle school students (n=l1,128).Psychosocial variables were knowledge of the risks of tobacco use (range: 3-15) and benefits of being tobacco free (range: 7-35) with higher scores indicating greater understanding. Intentions to quit or initiate were construed as binary variables. Exposure variables were tobacco advertisements or anti-tobacco media messages. Covariates were gender, race, grade …

Genetic Assessment Of Rare Blackbanded Sunfish (Enneacanthus Chaetodon) Populations In Virginia, Diana Marie Kercher

Theses and Dissertations

Enneacanthus chaetodon, the blackbanded sunfish, has become increasingly rare throughout its distribution in the Eastern United States. In Virginia, E. chaetodon maintains an endangered status and individuals persist in six populations. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite data were assessed to determine the genetic characters and gene diversity of the Virginia populations. The results of these analyses were then compared to five additional populations; four from New Jersey and one from North Carolina that were known to have relatively good fitness and were not impacted severely by habitat alteration. The results of this study are relevant to selection of proper management …

Urban Growth And Segregation In The Roanoke, Virginia, Metropolis: The Effects Of Low-Density Development On Low-Income Populations And Racial Minorities, Freed Etienne

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines urban growth patterns in the Roanoke, Virginia, metropolis. It draws on the literature of contemporary human ecology and social area analysis to examine the effects of low-density development on low-income populations and racial minorities. The continuous spread of residential development beyond the boundaries of the central city and older suburbs into more distant, once rural areas is segregating the metropolitan area by race and income. Since the prominence of the so-called "Chicago School" of urban sociology (1913-1940), contemporary urban sociologists have outlined theories and methods to examine how American urban areas have changed and why. This dissertation …

Invasion Genetics Of The Blue Catfish (Ictalurus Furcatus) Range Expansion Into Large River Ecosystems Of The Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Colleen Beth Higgins

Theses and Dissertations

The blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus (Ictaluridae), is ranked among the most invasive, nonnative species of concern in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This species, intentionally introduced to three major tributaries and a number of impoundments between 1974 and 1989 for sport fishing, has spread into three additional tributaries. Using samples from the introduced tributary populations as a baseline, we evaluated microsatellite genetic variation in light of demographic and ecological data to elucidate the potential sources of the invasive I. furcatus populations. In general, the populations surveyed in the Chesapeake Bay watershed were considerably more inbred (F ranged from 0.03 - 0.27) …

Characterization Of The Rank Ligand Positive Giant Cell Found In The Interfacial Membrane, Patrick Emerson Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Aseptic osteolysis is a major complication to total joint arthroplasty requiring several thousand people a year to have to undergo revisions of their joint prosthesis. The formation of the interfacial membrane has been associated with aseptic osteolysis leading to the failure of all types of total joints. Recent evidence suggests that RANKL, a potent activator of bone reabsorption, is present in the interfacial membrane. Prior research in this laboratory to determine the source of RANKL in the interfacial membrane has revealed the presence of intense areas of RANKL concentration in the membrane. These areas of RANKL concentration correspond to multiple …

Design And Development Of Oligonucleotide Microarrays And Their Application In Diagnostic And Prognostic Estimation Of Human Gliomas, G. Scott Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

DNA microarrays represent an ultra-high throughput gene expression assay employed to study the transcriptomic profiles of biological tissues. These devices are increasingly being used to study many aspects of gene regulation, and there is growing interest in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for developing such devices in efforts toward rational product/drug design. The DNA microarray also provides a unique and objective means for diagnosis and prognosis of human diseases based on patterns of gene expression. This is especially important in cancer research and the thrust toward personalized medicine. This dissertation details the design and development of oligonucleotide microarrays and the …

A Critical Review Of Telomerase Biology And Model Systems For The Study Of Telomerase, Jeremy Charles Aisenberg

Theses and Dissertations

The study of telomere and telomerase biology holds substantial promise in uncovering the molecular process of aging and the treatment of cancers. Studies have shown that telomere shortening is directly linked to cellular aging and that telomerase expression is found in over 85% of human cancers, including 95% of all advanced malignancies. Development of effective model systems to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of telomeres and telomerase in the processes aging and cancer is of particular importance. While inbred strains of mice have provided a wealth of information for a variety of pathways and diseases, the mouse model …

Images Of Jenny Lind And The Construction Of Identity For The Nineteenth-Century Female Performer, Joanna Elizabeth Penick

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how images of the Swedish singer Jenny Lind worked to distance her from the typical nineteenth-century view. Because of their position within the public sphere, female performers were thought to be sexually available and often had the reputation of prostitute. Lind achieved a level of success that made her one of the most famous women of the mid-nineteenth-century. She was known not only for her talent as a performer but also for her morality and piety. Examining the Lind images in the context of nineteenth-century social codes and feminist theatre history, it becomes evident that Lind was …

Transforming Growth Factor-Β1 (Tgf-Β1) Induces Mast Cell Apoptosis, Farnaz Norozian

Theses and Dissertations

Mast cells are potent effectors of the inflammatory response, playing an important role in atopy, bacterial immunity, and animal models of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease. Hence controlling mast cell numbers and responsiveness is essential for preventing inflammatory disease. This work demonstrated that the cytokine TGF-β1 is a potent inducer of mast cell apoptosis, a finding that was consistent for cultured mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, peritoneal mast cells, and human mast cells. Cell death appeared to be the result of TGF-mediated repression of IL-3 receptor expression and function, leading to mitochondria1 damage and activation of an apoptotic cascade …

Design And Implementation Of Preparation Strategies For Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System Stakeholders, Judith Josephs

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to provide better access to current preparation strategies for passing the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test. The test preparation strategies did not meet the needs of the students. The students did not know how to use the computer to study for the test and did not know how to study at home for the test. Teachers also did not know of the availability of electronic information to enrich their lessons and increase the achievement of vocational high school students.

The researcher developed strategies to train students and teachers on Bridges Transitions (1999) testGEAR and …

Two- And Three-Plane Job Risk Classification Using Motion Capture: An Examination Of The Marras Et Al. Model, 1993, Tara Marie Cappelli

Theses and Dissertations

Lower Back Disorders account for 16-19% of work related claims and 33-41% of dollars paid in workers? compensation (as cited in Marras, 1999), with impacts to society approaching $100 billion dollars annually (as cited in Marras et al., 1999). Dr. William Marras engineered a device to track trunk kinematics in order to develop a Job Risk Classification Model for predicting high-risk group probability of lower back injury. The device has been validated, but other technologies such as 3-D motion capture can potentially gather the same data. This study examined the use of motion capture to apply two- and three-plane lifting …

Experimental Study On The Effects Of Operational Parameters Of A Downdraft Gasifier, Lin Wei

Theses and Dissertations

To examine the effects of operational parameters on syn-gas quality and biouel conversion rate under various running conditions, an experimental study of hardwood chip?s gasification in a downdraft gasifier was conducted. The resulting syn-gas had average low heating value of 5.79 ± 0.52 MJ/ Nm3, tar concentration of 14.06 ± 8.54 mg/Nm³, particulate concentration of 3.05 ± 1.79 mg/Nm³, hardwood conversion rate of 2.37±0.24 Nm³/kg, and carbon conversion rate of 98.01 ± 0.53%. This syn-gas is of acceptable quality to be used as a fuel source for internal combustion engine operations. The gasifier?s grate temperature had no evident effects on …

Evaluation Of Chitosan Gelatin Complex Scaffolds For Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering, Harshal Prabhakar Mahajan

Theses and Dissertations

In search of better scaffolding materials for in vitro culture of chondrocytes, the combination of chitosan (similar to glycosoaminoglycans) and gelatin (denatured collagen) was tested due to its resemblance to cartilage extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Porous scaffolds were fabricated from chitosan gelatin blends (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1). The response of chondrocytes to them was evaluated from the amount of sulphated GAG and collagen type 2 secreted after 3 and 5 weeks. The effect due to static (transwell inserts) and dynamic (rotating bioreactor) culture methods was analyzed. Results indicate that 1:1 chitosan gelatin blends showed the best chondro-conductive potential. The rotating bioreactor …

Biomechanical And Metabolic Changes Within Rabbit Articular Cartilage Following Treatment With Radiofrequency Energy, Christopher Larry Horstman

Theses and Dissertations

The effects caused to articular cartilage by the remote use of arthroscopically-delivered RF energy to soft tissues in the joint are unknown. This investigation reported the short and long-term effects of bRF and mRF energy on the biomechanical properties and metabolic activity of articular cartilage. In addition, the effect of Cosequin® therapy was addressed. Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (Group 1 - placebo; Group 2 - Cosequin®). Histopathology, cell viability, GAG synthesis, and mechanical function of the articular cartilage were compared between groups. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA …

Testing The Floristic Quality Assessment Index In Natural And Created Wetlands In Mississippi, Usa, Brook Danielle Herman

Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has mandated that states must include the use of biological assessments in their water quality laws to assess the biological integrity of aquatic systems. The Floristic Quality Assessment Index (FQAI), which uses wetland vegetation to assess the biological integrity of an ecosystem, has not been tested in Mississippi. The purpose of this study was to test the efficiency of the FQAI in wetlands along a gradient of human influence. Coefficients of conservatism (CC) were assigned to plant species based on their tolerance to disturbance and fidelity to habitat. A negative correlation was found between the …

Evaluation Of Hatchery And Growout Factors For The Successful Production And Stocking Of Juvenile Gulf Coast Walleye, Justin L. Wilkens

Theses and Dissertations

Temperature-dependent weight gain of Gulf coast and northern strain walleye Sander vitreus fingerlings was determined by rearing fish in flow-through aquaria at different water temperatures (range 15-32°C). Maximum growth of Gulf coast and northern strain walleye occurred between 20 and 26°C, and weight gain of northern walleye exceeded that of the Gulf coast strain by 1.5 times. An acclimated chronic exposure method to assess upper thermal limits determined that walleye survived 35, 9, and 1 days at 33, 34, and 35°C, respectively. A post pond-rearing feed-training practice (21 d) at a mean density of 6,290 ± 1,247 fish/m3 using formulated …

Plasma Steroid And Vitellogenin Concentrations, Activity Of Cathepsins, And Egg Protein Content During Oocyte Maturation, And Influence Of Hormone Injection In Four Commercial Strains Of Channel Catfish Ictalurus Punctatus, Marinela Barrero-Monzon

Theses and Dissertations

Profiles of plasma estradiol and testosterone concentrations, cathepsin D, L, and B activities, and quantitative and qualitative protein content were developed and evaluated in four commercial strains of channel catfish, Gold Kist (2), Thompson and NWAC-103 for one year (age 2 to age 3). Great variation between individuals of the same strain precluded the identification of any significant, strain-specific differences for the variables under investigation. When variables from fish of all strains were collectively evaluated over time, both estradiol and testosterone concentrations significantly increased in July and then later from February to April. The increase in hormone concentration was accompanied …